What is the average salary in Lake Forest, IL?
Job seekers in Lake Forest, IL, find a variety of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary in the area is $73,004. This average covers many different types of jobs.
Some of the top-paying jobs in Lake Forest include:
- Healthcare: $90,645
- IT and software: $85,984
- Finance and accounting: $75,984
- Sales and marketing: $61,322
- Education and training: $56,661
What are the best paying jobs in Lake Forest, IL?

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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $90,815
Care for patients in hospitals and clinics. Work in health facilities like Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. Follow patient care plans and assist doctors.
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Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $44,671
Support doctors and nurses in clinics. Handle tasks like patient check-ins and medical records. Work in local practices such as Lake Forest Internal Medicine.
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Certified Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $42,749
Assist patients with daily activities. Work in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Provide personal care and support to the elderly and disabled.
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Cook
Average Salary: $38,069
Prepare meals in restaurants and cafeterias. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work in local dining spots like The Common Table.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $36,708
Clean and maintain facilities. Ensure a safe and clean environment. Work in hotels and office buildings in the area.
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Forklift Operator
Average Salary: $36,397
Move heavy materials using a forklift. Work in warehouses and distribution centers. Ensure safe and efficient material handling.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,494
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a clean and organized kitchen environment.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,780
Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in local coffee shops like Caribou Coffee.
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What are the best paying jobs in Lake Forest, IL without a degree?

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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $43,235
This role involves maintaining the grounds of properties, including mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. This position is suitable for those who enjoy outdoor work and can be found in local landscaping companies and garden centers.
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Server
Average Salary: $42,163
Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. They need to have good communication skills and a friendly demeanor. Many local eateries offer this role for those who enjoy serving others.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $40,693
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food in large quantities. This job is fast-paced and requires the ability to work under pressure. Opportunities can be found in various restaurants and food service establishments.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $40,422
Meat cutters slice and package meat for retail sale. They use sharp knives and need to follow safety guidelines. This role is often available in local grocery stores and butcher shops.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $36,708
Housekeeping staff clean hotel rooms, public areas, and ensure everything is in order. They need to pay attention to detail and work efficiently. This position is offered by hotels and resorts.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $34,494
Dishwasher duties include washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This job requires good physical stamina and the ability to work in a hot, fast-paced environment. Opportunities exist in many restaurants and cafes.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $34,247
Service team members assist customers and handle various tasks at retail stores. They need strong customer service skills. This role can be found in local retail stores and supermarkets.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,780
Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. They need to be friendly and knowledgeable about different types of coffee. This position is available in coffee shops and cafes.
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General Production Laborer
Average Salary: $31,467
This role involves performing a variety of manual tasks in a manufacturing setting. It includes operating machinery and following safety protocols. Positions can be found in local manufacturing plants.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $30,514
Server assistants help in restaurants by setting up tables and assisting servers. This job requires good teamwork skills. Opportunities exist in various restaurants and food service outlets.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Lake Forest, IL?

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Abbott
Average Salary: $140,234
Abbott is a global healthcare leader. It provides medical devices, diagnostics, and nutritional products. It is known for its innovation in health technology.
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Reynolds Consumer Products
Average Salary: $132,497
Reynolds Consumer Products creates food, paper, and household products. The brand portfolio includes Reynolds Wrap and Reynolds Kitchens.
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Packaging Corporation of America
Average Salary: $118,653
Packaging Corporation of America makes paperboard packaging products. It supplies to many leading brands in food, household, and industrial sectors.
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Grainger
Average Salary: $115,244
Grainger provides maintenance, repair, and operating supplies. It serves businesses and institutions. It is a leading B2B supplier.
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Impact Networking, LLC
Average Salary: $101,790
Impact Networking, LLC offers network design and support. It serves clients in IT and telecommunications. It focuses on delivering reliable and secure solutions.
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CELLA
Average Salary: $89,866
CELLA provides transportation services. It specializes in school bus and transit solutions. The company focuses on safety and efficiency.
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Northwestern Medicine
Average Salary: $77,764
Northwestern Medicine delivers top-tier healthcare. It is linked to Northwestern University. It has many hospitals and outpatient centers in Illinois.
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Consumers Credit Union, Illinois
Average Salary: $70,505
Consumers Credit Union, Illinois offers financial services. It helps members with loans, savings, and checking accounts. It focuses on community banking.
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Lake Forest College
Average Salary: $67,933
Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college. It offers undergraduate programs and small class sizes. It promotes a strong sense of community.
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Lake Forest School District
Average Salary: $63,760
Lake Forest School District runs public schools in Lake Forest. It focuses on providing quality education. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools.
How does the cost of living in Lake Forest, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Lake Forest, IL, stands notably higher than the nationwide average, with a general cost of living index at 130. This means residents in Lake Forest can expect to spend approximately 30% more than the average American. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly elevated, with an index of 150, indicating a 50% higher expense compared to the national average. This substantial difference in housing costs sets Lake Forest apart in terms of living expenses.
Although housing is the most expensive category, other costs remain competitive with or below the national average. For example, groceries have a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% more than average. Utilities are at 110, representing a 10% increase. Transportation costs, however, are lower in Lake Forest, with an index of 95, meaning residents can save about 5% on transportation compared to the national average. Healthcare costs also surpass the national average, with an index of 120, adding an additional 20% to healthcare expenses. Miscellaneous costs are on par with the national average at 100, showing no difference. Overall, while Lake Forest offers certain savings in transportation, higher costs in housing and healthcare significantly elevate the overall cost of living.



