What is the average salary in Lake Forest, IL?
Job seekers in Lake Forest, IL, can expect competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $73,997. This figure reflects a diverse economic landscape with opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers.
Salaries range widely, with many positions offering above-average pay. The top-paying sectors include finance, healthcare, and technology. For example, financial analysts earn around $104,273 annually. Health professionals and tech experts also see substantial salaries, often above $89,818 per year. These figures highlight the potential for job seekers to find well-paying roles in Lake Forest.
What are the best paying jobs in Lake Forest, IL?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $90,929
Caring for patients is key in this role. Nurses collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They work in hospitals and clinics, such as Advocate Health Care.
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Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $44,443
This role assists with patient care and medical procedures. Assistants work alongside doctors and nurses. They perform tasks in healthcare settings like Northwestern Medicine.
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Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $43,557
Helping customers is the main focus. Representatives answer questions and solve problems. They often work for companies such as Verizon or AT&T in Lake Forest.
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Certified Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $42,738
Assisting nurses with patient care is essential. CNAs help with daily activities. They work in nursing homes and hospitals, like AdventHealth.
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Cook
Average Salary: $37,967
Preparing meals is a daily task. Cooks follow recipes and ensure food quality. They work in restaurants and schools, such as those in Lake Forest.
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Forklift Operator
Average Salary: $36,255
Operating a forklift is crucial. Operators move materials around. They work in warehouses for companies such as Target.
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Cleaner
Average Salary: $35,119
Keeping areas clean is important. Cleaners follow schedules and protocols. They work in offices and public places, such as those maintained by Jani-King.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,232
Washing dishes is a key duty. Dishwashers ensure cleanliness. They work in restaurants, like those in Lake Forest.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,608
Preparing coffee and other drinks is essential. Baristas take orders and ensure customer satisfaction. They work in coffee shops, such as those in Lake Forest.
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What are the best paying jobs in Lake Forest, IL without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $45,900
Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. Work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tables. Serve customers in dining areas, banquet halls, or other locations.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $42,429
Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and edging. Use various tools and equipment to keep the lawn neat and healthy. Work for landscaping companies or homeowners.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,806
Prepare food in commercial kitchens. Cook in fast-paced environments and follow recipes. Work in restaurants, cafes, or food service companies.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $36,577
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, or residential properties. Perform tasks such as changing linens, dusting, and vacuuming. Work for hotels or property management companies.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $34,568
Provide excellent customer service in various settings. Assist customers with questions and needs. Work for retail stores, restaurants, or service-oriented businesses.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,232
Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Operate dishwasher machines. Work in restaurants, cafes, or food service companies.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,608
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in cafes or restaurants. Interact with customers and take orders. Work for coffee shops or food service establishments.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $31,198
Help servers in restaurants by clearing tables and setting up. Assist with food and drink orders. Work in a busy environment with a team of servers.
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General Production Laborer
Average Salary: $31,189
Perform various tasks in manufacturing or production settings. Follow instructions and safety protocols. Work for manufacturing companies or production facilities.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Lake Forest, IL?

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Abbott
Average Salary: $139,882
Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They focus on nutrition, diagnostics, and medical devices. It’s a great place for professionals in healthcare and technology.
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Reynolds Consumer Products
Average Salary: $129,478
Reynolds Consumer Products makes well-known brands in food, home, and personal care. They’re known for their commitment to innovation and quality.
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Grainger
Average Salary: $113,578
Grainger distributes products for maintenance, repair, and operations needs. They serve a wide range of industries, offering diverse career opportunities.
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Impact Networking, LLC
Average Salary: $105,410
Impact Networking, LLC provides networking and communications solutions. It’s a tech-focused company that values innovation and customer service.
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CELLA
Average Salary: $88,872
CELLA is a full-service marketing agency. They offer strategic marketing services to help companies connect with their customers.
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Northwestern Medicine
Average Salary: $78,093
Northwestern Medicine is a leader in medical care, research, and education. It offers a range of career paths in the healthcare industry.
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Consumers Credit Union, Illinois
Average Salary: $68,016
Consumers Credit Union, Illinois provides a variety of financial services. They focus on offering quality and personalized services to their members.
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Lake Forest School District
Average Salary: $64,887
Lake Forest School District manages the local public schools. It offers jobs in education, from teaching to administration.
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Lake Forest College
Average Salary: $64,728
Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college. It offers a variety of jobs in academia and student services.
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City of Lake Forest, IL
Average Salary: $60,128
The City of Lake Forest provides essential services to the community. It offers a range of jobs in public service and administration.
How does the cost of living in Lake Forest, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Lake Forest, Illinois, is noticeably higher than the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs are 23% above the national average, with an index of 123. This suggests that residents of Lake Forest may spend significantly more on housing compared to the typical American household. Groceries, another key expense, are 5% higher, indexed at 105, which also indicates that these costs are slightly above the national average.
Utilities and healthcare costs in Lake Forest are fairly close to the national average. Utilities stand at 95, which is 5% below the average, suggesting some savings here. Healthcare, however, is 10% higher, with an index of 110, meaning residents may face higher medical expenses. Transportation costs are only slightly above average at 102, or 2% higher, while miscellaneous expenses are 7% higher at 107. Overall, while Lake Forest offers a higher cost of living in several key areas, it also presents potential savings in utilities.



