What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan, IL, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with various salary levels. The average yearly salary for jobs in Waukegan is $65,439. This figure provides a good starting point for job seekers considering the area.
Job roles in Waukegan span multiple sectors, each with its own salary distribution. The top-paying sectors include management, business, and financial operations, where the highest salaries are observed. Other sectors like education, healthcare, and public safety also provide competitive salaries. These salary levels make Waukegan an attractive destination for professionals in these fields.
What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $113,588
A software engineer develops applications and software for businesses. Many tech firms and IT companies in Waukegan rely on skilled engineers to design and maintain systems. Companies like ABC Tech and XYZ Software offer numerous opportunities.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $103,161
School psychologists work with students to ensure they have the support they need. They often collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals. Schools across Waukegan provide a chance to make a difference in children's lives.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $100,862
Occupational therapists help people regain independence in their daily activities. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, assisting patients recover from injuries or disabilities. Facilities like Waukegan Rehab offer great positions.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $98,319
These professionals work with people who have speech or language difficulties. They often collaborate with educators and healthcare providers. Local schools and healthcare centers provide many opportunities to help others.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $94,711
Behavior analysts study and improve the behavior of individuals. They work with children or adults in various settings. Companies in Waukegan offer fulfilling roles to make a positive impact on people's lives.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $87,160
Registered nurses provide essential care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and support doctors. Healthcare facilities in Waukegan need dedicated nurses to care for their communities.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $78,870
CDL drivers transport goods across the region. They need a commercial driver's license and often work for logistics companies. Businesses in Waukegan require reliable drivers for their operations.
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Human Resources Manager
Average Salary: $76,717
Human resources managers oversee hiring, training, and employee relations. They ensure a positive workplace environment. Companies in Waukegan offer leadership roles for those with HR expertise.
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Social Worker
Average Salary: $76,131
Social workers help individuals and families in need. They provide resources and support for those facing challenges. Social service agencies in Waukegan need compassionate professionals to assist those in need.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $72,313
LPNs provide basic patient care in various healthcare settings. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Healthcare facilities in Waukegan offer supportive roles for LPNs.
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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL without a degree?

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Yard Worker
Average Salary: $36,780
Maintain the grounds of properties, often working for landscape companies. Handle tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and cleaning up debris. Seasonal work may be available, depending on the time of year.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $36,576
Assist in food preparation in restaurants. Cook and help maintain a clean kitchen. Work alongside chefs and other kitchen staff in busy dining environments.
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Server
Average Salary: $35,273
Serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. Take orders, deliver food, and handle payments. Interaction with customers is key, and often works in fast-paced settings.
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Barista
Average Salary: $35,253
Prepare coffee and other beverages in cafes. Serve drinks to customers and handle cash transactions. Often, learn the art of latte art and coffee brewing techniques.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $34,257
Help in the food service industry by cleaning and restocking. Assist with food preparation and customer service. Often work in schools or large dining facilities.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $34,243
Clean and maintain floors in various settings, including offices and retail stores. Use industrial cleaning equipment to ensure a polished appearance. Pay attention to detail for a high-quality finish.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $33,025
Maintain cleanliness in hotels, motels, and other accommodations. Clean rooms, change linens, and restock supplies. Provide a comfortable environment for guests.
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Fryer
Average Salary: $32,000
Prepare deep-fried food in restaurants or fast-food outlets. Operate fryers and ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature. Maintain a clean and efficient workspace.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $30,448
Organize and lead activities for community centers or parks. Engage with participants in various recreational programs. Promote physical activity and social interaction.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $29,777
Support the server team by setting up tables and clearing dishes. Help maintain the dining area. Provide assistance to servers and ensure customers have a pleasant experience.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

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Abbott
Average Salary: $158,673
Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They focus on nutrition, diagnostics, and branded generic medicines. Abbott offers good salaries and benefits.
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Dollar General
Average Salary: $95,154
Dollar General is a discount retail store. They sell items like groceries and household goods. The company values its employees.
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State of Illinois
Average Salary: $94,653
The State of Illinois offers various job opportunities. They work in areas like education, public safety, and health. They provide stable jobs and benefits.
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Sunbelt Staffing
Average Salary: $92,793
Sunbelt Staffing is a staffing agency. They help find jobs in healthcare, IT, and more. They offer good pay and opportunities for growth.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $92,102
ProCare Therapy helps find jobs in healthcare. They work with therapists and other healthcare workers. They offer competitive salaries.
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Soliant
Average Salary: $90,754
Soliant specializes in connecting job seekers with positions in education and healthcare. They provide good compensation and benefits.
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TEKsystems
Average Salary: $78,241
TEKsystems focuses on IT and finance jobs. They help people find positions that match their skills. They offer good salaries.
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Uline
Average Salary: $76,948
Uline is a shipping supply company. They offer jobs in logistics and warehousing. They provide good pay and benefits.
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Elevate Care
Average Salary: $65,150
Elevate Care works in home healthcare services. They offer positions for nurses and caregivers. They provide fair salaries.
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Lake County, IL
Average Salary: $65,132
Lake County, IL, offers various job opportunities. They work in public service, education, and healthcare. They offer stable jobs and benefits.
How does the cost of living in Waukegan, IL compare to the national average?

Waukegan, IL, presents a cost of living index that generally aligns closely with the national average. The housing index in Waukegan stands at 95, which is 5% below the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that housing costs in Waukegan are slightly more affordable compared to the rest of the country. Despite this lower housing cost, the groceries index is slightly higher, at 102, indicating a 2% increase. This small increase might mean that grocery expenses in Waukegan are marginally more expensive than average.
Other areas in Waukegan also show minor variations. The utilities index is at 104, which is 4% above the average, suggesting slightly higher utility costs. Transportation costs are close to the national average, with an index of 97, meaning a 3% reduction. Healthcare costs are also above the average, with an index of 106, indicating a 6% increase. Finally, miscellaneous expenses in Waukegan show an index of 98, which is 2% below the national average. Overall, Waukegan offers some areas where costs are lower than the national average, particularly in housing, while other areas like groceries, utilities, and healthcare show modest increases.



