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What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?

The average salary in Waukegan, IL is $65,289 per year.

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, can expect competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary sits at $65,289, with many positions offering salaries that exceed this amount. This reflects the diverse job market in the area, providing opportunities for professionals from different sectors.


When considering specific roles, the distribution shows a wide range of earnings. Some of the highest-paying jobs include:

  • Engineering: $194,000
  • Information Technology: $179,136
  • Finance: $164,273
  • Healthcare: $149,409
  • Sales: $134,545
These figures highlight the potential for significant earnings in Waukegan, making it an attractive location for career growth and financial stability.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

In Waukegan, IL, job seekers can find excellent opportunities with top-paying positions in various fields. The highest-paying job in the area is Software Engineer, with an average salary of $113,738. Other well-paying roles include School Psychologist, earning $104,970, and Occupational Therapist, with an average salary of $102,103. These professions offer competitive compensation and the potential for professional growth. Additionally, several other professions offer solid salaries. Speech Language Pathologists earn around $99,290, while Behavior Analysts take home $95,354 on average. Registered Nurses can expect to earn about $86,498, and CDL Drivers make around $77,522. Human Resources Managers and Social Workers both earn approximately $77,100 and $76,241 respectively. Licensed Practical Nurses complete the list with an average salary of $72,508. These jobs provide a mix of rewarding careers and financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $113,738 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $72,508.
  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $113,738
    People in this role design and create software programs. They work for tech companies, helping to develop apps and systems. Many use their skills to enhance user experiences.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $104,970
    This professional works with students to support their mental health. They collaborate with educators to create a supportive environment. They often work in educational institutions within the city.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $102,103
    These specialists help people regain their ability to perform daily tasks. They work with patients in hospitals or private practices. Their goal is to improve quality of life for those recovering from injury or illness.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $99,290
    They diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Working in healthcare settings, they help people of all ages. Their goal is to enhance communication skills and overall quality of life.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $95,354
    These professionals study and improve human behavior. They often work with children with developmental disorders. They use data to create effective treatment plans in various settings.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $86,498
    RNs provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals and clinics, ensuring patients receive quality care. They collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $77,522
    This role involves transporting goods across long distances. Drivers navigate various routes to ensure timely delivery. They operate commercial vehicles and need to follow safety regulations.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Human Resources Manager
    Average Salary: $77,100
    They oversee employee relations and recruitment. Managers ensure policies are followed and create a positive work environment. They often work in corporate offices and manage HR teams.
    Find Human Resources Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $76,241
    They help individuals and families overcome challenges. Social workers provide support and resources. They often work in community agencies, schools, or hospitals.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,508
    LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of doctors. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Their duties include monitoring vital signs and administering medication.
    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, there are several high-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. Yard workers, kitchen team members, and baristas earn above $34,000 annually. A career as a server, floor tech, or food service aide also offers salaries above $34,000. Another option is to become a housekeeping worker, fryer, or recreation assistant. These roles come with a yearly income above $32,000. Server assistants also fall into this range. These positions provide a good balance of earnings and work without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL without a degree, highlighting Yard Worker with the highest at $36,977 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $29,664.
  1. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $36,977
    Work outdoors maintaining properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and cleaning up debris. Perfect for those who enjoy outdoor work. Local companies hire for seasonal or full-time positions.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,576
    Prepare meals and assist in food preparation. This role involves cooking, plating, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Local restaurants offer opportunities for those who enjoy culinary work.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $35,302
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers, take orders, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Coffee shops and cafes in the area often need friendly, skilled baristas.
    Find Barista jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $35,137
    Provide table service to customers. Take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure guests have a good experience. Many local eateries seek servers with good customer service skills.
    Find Server jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $34,425
    Maintain clean and safe floors. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Ideal for those who take pride in cleanliness. Many businesses in the area need reliable floor techs.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $34,257
    Assist in food preparation and service. Duties involve washing dishes, setting up tables, and helping servers. Many local restaurants hire for this supportive role.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $33,207
    Clean and maintain rooms and common areas. Tasks include making beds, changing linens, and tidying up. Local hotels and residential facilities need dependable housekeeping staff.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Fryer
    Average Salary: $32,000
    Operate fryers to cook food. Ensure the quality and consistency of fried items. This role is perfect for those interested in culinary work. Local eateries often hire for this position.
    Find Fryer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,577
    Lead and organize recreational activities. Engage with community members to provide enjoyable experiences. Local recreational centers and community programs seek energetic assistants.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $29,664
    Support servers by setting up tables and assisting with service. Tasks include refilling drinks and clearing dishes. Many restaurants need helpers who enjoy serving others.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, will find competitive salaries at several top employers. Abbott leads the way with an average salary of $157,938, making it the highest-paying company listed. Following closely are Dollar General and the State of Illinois, with average salaries around $95,000 and $95,000 respectively. Other notable companies in the area include ProCare Therapy, Sunbelt Staffing, and Soliant, all offering salaries above $90,000. Companies such as TEKsystems, Uline, AkzoNobel, and Lake County, IL, also provide attractive compensation packages, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $92,000. These figures highlight the range of well-paying job opportunities available in Waukegan.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $157,938 and Lake County, IL with the lowest at $66,026.
  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $157,938
    Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. Abbott offers a variety of jobs across different skill levels.


  2. Dollar General
    Average Salary: $95,100
    Dollar General is a prominent discount retailer. They offer a range of products at low prices. This company provides jobs in retail, supply chain, and corporate roles.


  3. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $95,027
    The State of Illinois offers a variety of jobs in government roles. These positions range from administrative to specialized technical roles. Working for the state provides stability and benefits.


  4. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $92,178
    ProCare Therapy specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They focus on therapy services and offer competitive salaries for their positions.


  5. Sunbelt Staffing
    Average Salary: $91,813
    Sunbelt Staffing is a leading staffing agency. They help place healthcare professionals in various roles. Sunbelt offers both temporary and permanent positions with good compensation.


  6. Soliant
    Average Salary: $91,190
    Soliant focuses on connecting healthcare and education professionals with job opportunities. They offer a range of positions and competitive salaries.


  7. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $77,793
    TEKsystems is an IT staffing firm. They offer roles in technology, engineering, and business sectors. They are known for their professional development opportunities.


  8. Uline
    Average Salary: $76,718
    Uline is a major distributor of shipping and packaging products. They offer a variety of roles from warehouse to sales. Working here provides stability and growth opportunities.


  9. AkzoNobel
    Average Salary: $70,590
    AkzoNobel is a global leader in paints and coatings. They offer positions in manufacturing, sales, and research. Working here provides a chance to contribute to innovative products.


  10. Lake County, IL
    Average Salary: $66,026
    Lake County, IL, offers a range of government and public service jobs. Roles vary from administrative to law enforcement. Working for the county provides stability and community service opportunities.

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

Waukegan, IL, presents a cost of living index slightly below the nationwide average of 100. The index shows that housing costs are 12% lower, making it more affordable for residents. Groceries and utilities cost about the same as the national average, while other areas like transportation and miscellaneous expenses are slightly lower, contributing to an overall cost of living that is competitive with the rest of the country. This makes Waukegan an attractive option for those seeking a balanced cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waukegan, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% higher, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

The cost of living index in Waukegan, Illinois, offers an attractive alternative for job seekers considering this vibrant city. When compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100, Waukegan shows a more affordable living environment in several key areas. Housing costs in Waukegan sit at 88, which means residents can expect to spend about 12% less on housing compared to the national average. This is a significant advantage for those looking to save on one of the most critical expenses.


Beyond housing, other essential costs in Waukegan also remain relatively lower than the national average. Groceries, an everyday necessity, are priced at 95, indicating a modest 5% increase. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above the national average, at 102 and 92, respectively. However, healthcare costs in Waukegan align precisely with the national average at 100, offering no extra financial strain. Miscellaneous expenses, which include items like entertainment and personal care, are at 97, reflecting a 3% increase. Overall, Waukegan presents a cost-effective living option, with most expenses below or close to the national average.

There are 531 job openings in Waukegan, IL, today!

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

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Waukegan, IL
531 Job Openings