Overview Salaries

Salaries in Waukegan, IL

Updated on Nov 10, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?

The average salary in Waukegan, IL is $64,495 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $64,495 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $5,375 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $1,240 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $31 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, can find a variety of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary stands at $64,495. This figure reflects the diverse job market in the area. Many positions offer competitive pay, with a range of salaries available across different industries.


The salary distribution shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The most common salary range is between $30,000 and $45,455. Other notable salary brackets include $60,909 to $76,364 and $91,818 to $107,273. These figures indicate that there are many opportunities for individuals to find a job that matches their skill level and experience. Job seekers can explore various sectors to find the best fit for their career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

Waukegan, IL, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Software Engineers lead the pack with an average salary of $113,598. This role involves designing and developing software applications. Technical Project Leads also earn well, with an average salary of $112,414. They manage projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets. Another top-paying job is School Psychologist, with an average salary of $102,366. These professionals work with students to improve their mental health and learning abilities. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists also earn good salaries, around $97,805 and $96,423 respectively. These roles focus on helping patients recover from injuries or improve their communication skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $113,598 and Social Worker with the lowest at $73,243.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $113,598
    This role involves designing and developing software applications. Companies like Tech Solutions and Innovate Systems offer opportunities. They work on projects that improve efficiency and user experience.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $112,414
    This position requires managing technical projects from start to finish. Firms such as Project Management Inc. and Tech Solutions look for leaders who can guide teams effectively. They ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $102,366
    This role involves assessing and supporting students' mental health. Schools and educational institutions hire professionals to work with teachers and parents. They create plans to help students succeed academically and socially.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $97,805
    This position focuses on helping people recover from injuries or illnesses. Clinics and healthcare facilities hire therapists to design treatment plans. They work with patients to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $96,423
    This role involves diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers hire pathologists to work with patients. They develop personalized therapy plans to improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $88,190
    This position requires analyzing and improving behavior through various techniques. Schools and behavioral health centers hire analysts to work with individuals. They create programs to help people develop positive behaviors.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,896
    This role involves providing patient care and support. Hospitals and clinics hire nurses to work in various departments. They administer treatments, monitor patients, and assist doctors with procedures.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $81,619
    This position requires driving large vehicles to transport goods. Companies like Logistics Inc. and Transport Solutions hire drivers. They ensure timely delivery of products and follow safety regulations.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Human Resources Manager
    Average Salary: $77,270
    This role involves managing employee relations and recruitment. Businesses hire managers to oversee HR functions. They handle hiring, training, and resolving workplace issues.
    Find Human Resources Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $73,243
    This position focuses on helping individuals and families cope with challenges. Agencies and non-profits hire social workers to provide support. They assist with finding resources and creating plans for improvement.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL

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

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, can find several high-paying roles that do not require a college degree. Yard workers earn an average of $36,481 annually, offering a good starting point for those entering the workforce. Other well-paying positions include servers, kitchen team members, and baristas, all providing competitive salaries and valuable work experience. These jobs offer a chance to earn a solid income while gaining skills and experience. Floor techs, housekeeping staff, and fryers also provide good pay without needing a degree. Line cooks and recreation assistants can expect to earn around $31,490 and $30,238, respectively. Server assistants round out the list with an average salary of $29,343. These roles provide a variety of opportunities for those looking to start or advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL without a degree, highlighting Yard Worker with the highest at $36,481 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $29,343.

  1. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $36,481
    Maintaining outdoor spaces, trimming hedges, and cleaning up debris. Companies like local landscaping firms and property management services offer these roles. They value hard work and dedication to keeping areas neat.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $35,213
    Taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. Restaurants and cafes in the area provide these positions. They look for friendly and efficient individuals who can handle busy environments.
    Find Server jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $35,022
    Helping prepare meals and keep the kitchen area clean. Local eateries and food service companies offer these roles. They seek reliable and hardworking people who can assist in the kitchen.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $34,398
    Making coffee and other beverages for customers. Coffee shops and cafes in the area provide these positions. They look for detail-oriented and friendly individuals who can create quality drinks.
    Find Barista jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,735
    Cleaning and maintaining floors in various settings. Companies like hotels, office buildings, and retail stores offer these roles. They seek dependable and thorough individuals who can keep areas spotless.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $33,005
    Cleaning rooms and common areas in hotels and residential buildings. Hospitality companies and property management firms offer these positions. They look for diligent and organized individuals who can maintain cleanliness.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Fryer
    Average Salary: $32,000
    Cooking and frying food items in restaurants. Local eateries and food service companies offer these roles. They seek efficient and detail-oriented individuals who can prepare food quickly and accurately.
    Find Fryer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,490
    Preparing ingredients and cooking food in a fast-paced kitchen. Restaurants and cafes in the area provide these positions. They look for skilled and quick individuals who can handle high-pressure environments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,238
    Helping organize and lead recreational activities for participants. Community centers and recreational facilities offer these roles. They seek enthusiastic and engaging individuals who can create fun and safe activities.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $29,343
    Supporting servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Restaurants and cafes in the area provide these positions. They look for helpful and attentive individuals who can assist in the dining area.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

Abbott leads the way in offering the highest salaries among companies in Waukegan, IL. With an average salary of $156,724, Abbott provides a lucrative opportunity for job seekers. Following closely behind are Dollar General and ProCare Therapy, both offering competitive salaries above $90,000. Other notable companies in Waukegan include the State of Illinois, Bear Real Estate Group, and Soliant, all providing salaries that exceed $89,000. TEKsystems, Uline, Lake County, IL, and Elevate Care also offer attractive compensation packages, though slightly lower than the top earners. These companies present a range of opportunities for those seeking a good salary in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $156,724 and Elevate Care with the lowest at $64,714.

  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $156,724
    Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They focus on nutrition, diagnostics, and branded generic medicines. Abbott offers a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. Dollar General
    Average Salary: $92,914
    Dollar General is a discount retailer. They offer a variety of products at low prices. They provide a good salary and opportunities for growth.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $92,279
    ProCare Therapy provides healthcare staffing. They focus on therapy services. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  4. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $92,167
    The State of Illinois offers many jobs in different areas. They focus on public services. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  5. Bear Real Estate Group
    Average Salary: $91,543
    Bear Real Estate Group is a real estate company. They focus on commercial and residential properties. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  6. Soliant
    Average Salary: $89,389
    Soliant provides healthcare staffing. They focus on therapy and education. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  7. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $79,037
    TEKsystems is an IT staffing company. They offer jobs in technology and consulting. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  8. Uline
    Average Salary: $77,598
    Uline is a shipping and packaging company. They offer a variety of products and services. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  9. Lake County, IL
    Average Salary: $65,402
    Lake County, IL offers many jobs in different areas. They focus on public services. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  10. Elevate Care
    Average Salary: $64,714
    Elevate Care provides healthcare staffing. They focus on therapy and nursing services. They offer a good salary and benefits.

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

The cost of living in Waukegan, IL, is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Waukegan stands at 96, which is 4% lower than the national average of 100. This suggests that residents in Waukegan can expect to spend less on most living expenses compared to the average American. Specifically, housing costs in Waukegan are 5% below the national average, while groceries and healthcare are only slightly below. Utilities remain at par with the national average, and transportation costs are 8% lower. This balanced distribution makes Waukegan a potentially attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waukegan, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 4% lower.

The cost of living in Waukegan, IL, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Waukegan stand at 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. This suggests that residents can find more affordable housing options, making it easier to manage living expenses.


Groceries in Waukegan are slightly above the national average, with an index of 98, indicating a 2% increase. However, this is a minor difference and does not significantly impact overall living costs. Utilities in Waukegan match the national average at 100, meaning there is no cost difference. Transportation costs are 92, which is 8% lower than the national average, offering savings for those who rely on personal vehicles. Healthcare costs are at 97, just 3% below the national average, providing a slight advantage in medical expenses. Overall, the cost of living in Waukegan remains competitive, offering a balanced mix of affordability and quality of life.

There are 641 job openings in Waukegan, IL, today!

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Waukegan, IL
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