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What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?

The average salary in Waukegan, IL is $64,446 per year.

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, can expect a competitive salary range. The average yearly salary stands at $64,446. This average covers a broad spectrum of occupations. The salary range in this area allows for various opportunities for professionals from different industries.


Here are some of the common salaries across different sectors in Waukegan:

  • Entry-level positions around $30,900
  • Mid-level roles approximately $56,191
  • Experienced positions around $81,482
  • Senior or specialized roles up to $170,000
These figures highlight the potential for growth and earning increases based on experience and skills.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

Top-paying jobs in Waukegan, Illinois, offer competitive salaries and valuable career opportunities. Software engineers lead the pack with an average salary of $114,838. This field involves creating and improving computer systems and applications, making it a lucrative and in-demand profession. Other high-paying roles include school psychologists, behavior analysts, and occupational therapists, all providing rewarding work in healthcare and education. Beyond these, healthcare professionals like registered nurses and respiratory therapists also enjoy good earnings, averaging around $85,996 and $82,481, respectively. These jobs require specialized skills and training, but they offer stability and the chance to make a difference in people's lives. With dedication and the right qualifications, job seekers can find fulfilling and well-compensated positions in Waukegan.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $114,838 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $72,333.
  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $114,838
    In this role, you will create and manage software applications for various clients. Companies like tech firms and healthcare institutions offer great opportunities. You'll work with teams to design, test, and improve software.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $105,616
    Helping students thrive in education, this position involves assessing and providing interventions for behavioral and emotional needs. This role works closely with schools and educational services. You'll collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $102,344
    This job focuses on understanding and improving behaviors. Often working with children with autism or other developmental disorders, you'll develop treatment plans. This role involves collaborating with families and educational staff to achieve positive outcomes.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $101,999
    Helping people of all ages improve their ability to perform daily tasks, this role involves working with patients in hospitals or rehab centers. You'll create personalized therapy plans to enhance independence. This position requires strong communication skills and empathy.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $100,419
    Working with individuals who have speech, language, or swallowing disorders, you'll develop and implement therapy plans. This role involves collaboration with healthcare providers and educators. You'll help patients improve their communication skills and quality of life.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,996
    Registered nurses provide essential care to patients in hospitals or clinics. You'll monitor patient health, administer treatments, and educate patients. This role requires strong clinical skills and compassion. Working in healthcare facilities, you'll make a significant impact on patient well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $82,481
    Specializing in respiratory care, you'll help patients who have breathing difficulties. This role involves assessing, treating, and managing patients with conditions such as asthma and COPD. You'll work in hospitals and clinics, making a difference in people's lives.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $78,376
    Social workers help individuals and families in need. You'll provide support, resources, and interventions to improve well-being. This role involves working with various agencies and community organizations. You'll advocate for clients and help them navigate challenges.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $75,939
    Transporting goods across long distances, you'll operate large vehicles. This role requires a commercial driver's license and adherence to safety regulations. You'll work for logistics companies, ensuring timely delivery of products. This job offers the chance to travel and meet new people.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,333
    LPNs provide basic patient care in various healthcare settings. You'll assist with daily living activities, monitor health, and administer treatments. This role requires strong communication and attention to detail. You'll work closely with RNs and doctors to ensure quality care.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL without a degree?

For job seekers in Waukegan, IL, several high-paying roles do not need a college degree. Yard workers earn around $37,489 a year. Kitchen team members and baristas also have good pay, with average salaries of $37,455 and $35,608 respectively. These positions offer excellent earning potential. Food service aides and servers both earn more than $33,000 annually. Housekeeping staff and recreation assistants also provide good wages. These jobs are a great start for those looking to make a living without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL without a degree, highlighting Yard Worker with the highest at $37,489 and Recreation Assistant with the lowest at $31,107.
  1. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $37,489
    Help maintain parks and recreational areas. Tasks include mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Work in collaboration with local landscape companies and community services.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,455
    Prepare meals and assist with kitchen duties. Work in local restaurants or cafes, ensuring food is ready for service. Collaboration with kitchen staff is key to a smooth operation.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $35,608
    Serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers at coffee shops. Gain experience with various brewing methods and coffee equipment.
    Find Barista jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $34,363
    Assist in food preparation and service. Work in dining areas, ensuring customers are served quickly. Collaborate with kitchen and service staff to maintain smooth operations.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $33,892
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Work in local restaurants and eateries. Focus on providing excellent customer service and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,807
    Maintain cleanliness and order in homes or facilities. Tasks include vacuuming, dusting, and organizing. Work with property management companies and hotel chains.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $31,107
    Assist in organizing recreational activities for community members. Tasks include leading games and sports. Work with local parks and recreation departments.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

Companies in Waukegan, IL, offer competitive salaries. Abbott stands out with an average salary of $154,540. Other notable employers include the State of Illinois and ProCare Therapy, both offering salaries over $90,000. For job seekers, these companies provide attractive compensation packages. Soliant and Sunbelt Staffing offer salaries around $92,000, while TEKsystems pays over $80,000. AkzoNobel, Uline, Elevate Care, and Lake County, IL, also offer salaries above $66,000, making Waukegan a promising location for career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $154,540 and Lake County, IL with the lowest at $66,414.
  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $154,540
    Abbott offers healthcare products, medical devices, nutritional products, and more. Employees value its reputation and opportunities for career growth.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $98,786
    The State of Illinois provides a wide range of services to residents. It is a stable employer with a good benefits package.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $93,206
    ProCare Therapy focuses on healthcare staffing. It provides good compensation and opportunities for professional development.


  4. Soliant
    Average Salary: $92,291
    Soliant offers staffing and recruiting services for healthcare and education. It is known for its competitive salaries and supportive work environment.


  5. Sunbelt Staffing
    Average Salary: $91,765
    Sunbelt Staffing specializes in temporary staffing for healthcare and education sectors. It offers a robust compensation package and benefits.


  6. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $81,805
    TEKsystems provides IT staffing services. It is a reputable company known for its opportunities in technology and professional growth.


  7. AkzoNobel
    Average Salary: $76,873
    AkzoNobel manufactures paints and coatings. It offers a competitive salary and benefits for employees in manufacturing and design.


  8. Uline
    Average Salary: $74,770
    Uline supplies shipping and packaging materials. It is a well-known company that offers good pay and career advancement opportunities.


  9. Elevate Care
    Average Salary: $66,898
    Elevate Care provides home healthcare services. It offers a supportive environment with good compensation.


  10. Lake County, IL
    Average Salary: $66,414
    Lake County, IL, employs staff in various government services. It provides a stable job with a solid benefits package.

How does the cost of living in Waukegan, IL compare to the national average?

Job seekers looking at Waukegan, IL, will find that the cost of living is relatively lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Waukegan stands at 95, which is 5% lower than the national benchmark of 100. This lower index presents an opportunity for potential residents to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle. When breaking down individual categories, Waukegan shows slight variations. Housing costs 5% below the national average, while groceries and healthcare are just 2% and 3% below, respectively. Utilities match the national average, but transportation costs are 10% lower. Miscellaneous expenses are also 8% below the average, offering potential savings in various aspects of daily life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waukegan, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

When comparing the cost of living index in Waukegan, IL, to the nationwide average, there are some notable differences across different categories. The housing index in Waukegan stands at 95, which means it costs 5% less than the national average. For those looking to buy or rent a home, this can represent a significant savings. The grocery index is slightly higher at 98, indicating a very minor increase over the national average, making it almost on par with the rest of the country.


In other areas, Waukegan's cost of living is slightly lower. The transportation index is at 90, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to the national average. This could be beneficial for those relying on personal vehicles. Utilities cost the same as the national average at 100, offering no change in expenses here. Healthcare, with an index of 97, shows a minor reduction of 3%, and miscellaneous expenses, at 92, present a decrease of 8%. Overall, job seekers may find Waukegan more affordable in several key areas, making it a potentially attractive location for living and working.

There are 472 job openings in Waukegan, IL, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Waukegan, IL

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Waukegan, IL
472 Job Openings