Overview Salaries

Salaries in Waukegan, IL

Updated on Aug 12, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?

The average salary in Waukegan, IL is $63,719 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $63,719 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $5,310 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $1,225 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.

Waukegan, IL, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $63,719. This figure reflects a diverse job market, with many roles offering salaries that can support a comfortable lifestyle.


The salary distribution in Waukegan shows a range of earnings. The most common salaries fall between $30,000 and $107,273. Some of the top-paying industries include healthcare, finance, and technology. These sectors provide higher-than-average salaries, making them attractive to job seekers. Other industries, such as retail and hospitality, offer salaries that are still above the national average. This variety ensures that there are good opportunities for many different skill sets and career interests.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

Waukegan, IL, offers a range of top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Software Engineers lead the way with high salaries, followed closely by Technical Project Leads. School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists also enjoy competitive pay. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those with specialized skills and education. Registered Nurses, CDL Drivers, and Behavior Analysts make up another tier of well-compensated jobs. Human Resources Managers and Social Workers round out the list with solid earnings. Each of these positions requires specific qualifications, making them valuable in the local job market.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $112,832 and Social Worker with the lowest at $70,012.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,832
    This role involves designing and developing software applications. Companies like tech firms and startups in the area offer these positions. They focus on creating innovative solutions to meet client needs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $111,188
    This position involves managing technical projects and teams. Companies in the tech and manufacturing sectors often hire for these roles. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $98,481
    This role focuses on assessing and supporting students' mental health. Schools and educational institutions in the area offer these positions. They work closely with teachers and parents to help students succeed.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $94,422
    This position involves helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers often hire for these roles. They create personalized treatment plans to improve patients' quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $92,755
    This role focuses on diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders. Schools and healthcare facilities offer these positions. They work with patients to improve their communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,726
    This position involves providing patient care and support. Hospitals and clinics in the area offer these roles. They work in various settings to ensure patients receive the best care possible.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $84,455
    This role involves transporting goods and materials. Companies in logistics and transportation often hire for these positions. They ensure timely delivery of products to various destinations.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $83,313
    This position involves studying and improving behavior. Schools and healthcare facilities offer these roles. They work with individuals to develop positive behaviors and reduce negative ones.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Human Resources Manager
    Average Salary: $77,123
    This role involves managing employee relations and recruitment. Companies in various industries offer these positions. They ensure a positive work environment and help staff grow professionally.
    Find Human Resources Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $70,012
    This position involves helping individuals and families in need. Social service agencies and healthcare facilities offer these roles. They provide support and resources to improve clients' well-being.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL

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

In Waukegan, IL, job seekers can find several high-paying roles that do not require a degree. Yard workers earn an average of $35,879 annually, offering a solid starting point. Other well-paying positions include servers, kitchen team members, and baristas, all providing competitive salaries with opportunities for growth. These jobs cater to those seeking immediate employment without the need for higher education. Servers and kitchen team members both earn around $34,000 per year, while baristas make about $34,300. These roles provide a chance to gain valuable experience and potentially advance in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL without a degree, highlighting Yard Worker with the highest at $35,879 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $29,350.

  1. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $35,879
    Maintaining outdoor spaces for homes and businesses. Working with landscaping companies and local government. Tasks include mowing, trimming, and planting.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $34,735
    Serving food and drinks in restaurants. Working in local eateries and cafes. Duties include taking orders, serving food, and handling payments.
    Find Server jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $34,425
    Helping in the kitchen of restaurants. Working with local dining spots. Tasks include preparing ingredients, cooking, and cleaning.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $34,308
    Making coffee and other drinks in cafes. Working in local coffee shops. Duties include taking orders, preparing drinks, and maintaining the counter.
    Find Barista jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,667
    Maintaining cleanliness in commercial spaces. Working with cleaning companies. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,307
    Cleaning rooms in hotels and motels. Working in local accommodations. Duties include making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and restocking supplies.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Fryer
    Average Salary: $32,000
    Cooking food in fryers in restaurants. Working in local eateries. Tasks include frying, portioning, and maintaining the fryer.
    Find Fryer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,189
    Preparing food quickly in restaurants. Working in local dining spots. Duties include chopping, cooking, and plating food.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,088
    Helping with recreational activities in community centers. Working with local organizations. Tasks include organizing events, supervising activities, and assisting participants.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $29,350
    Supporting servers in restaurants. Working in local dining spots. Duties include setting tables, refilling supplies, and assisting guests.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

Abbott leads as the top-paying company in Waukegan, offering an average salary of $153,599. This company provides a significant advantage for those seeking higher compensation. Following closely, Dollar General offers an average salary of $91,727, making it another attractive option for job seekers in the area. ProCare Therapy and the State of Illinois also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $88,707 and $88,502, respectively. These companies offer good opportunities for those looking for stable and rewarding positions. Other notable employers include Soliant, Bear Real Estate Group, and TEKsystems, all of which offer salaries above $78,000.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $153,599 and Matthews Professional Employment, Inc. with the lowest at $64,403.

  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $153,599
    Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. Abbott offers competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Dollar General
    Average Salary: $91,727
    Dollar General is a popular discount retailer. They offer a range of products at low prices. The company provides a stable work environment and good benefits.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $88,707
    ProCare Therapy specializes in healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer good salaries and flexible work options.


  4. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $88,502
    The State of Illinois offers various job opportunities in different sectors. They provide stable employment and comprehensive benefits. It is a great place for career growth.


  5. Soliant
    Average Salary: $86,311
    Soliant focuses on healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer competitive salaries and good benefits.


  6. Bear Real Estate Group
    Average Salary: $85,827
    Bear Real Estate Group is a real estate company. They offer various roles in real estate and property management. They provide good salaries and career growth opportunities.


  7. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $79,722
    TEKsystems is a global IT staffing and services company. They offer job opportunities in IT and consulting. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  8. Uline
    Average Salary: $78,166
    Uline is a leading distributor of packaging and shipping materials. They offer various job opportunities in logistics and supply chain. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  9. Lake County, IL
    Average Salary: $64,993
    Lake County, IL offers various job opportunities in government and public services. They provide stable employment and good benefits. It is a great place for career growth.


  10. Matthews Professional Employment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $64,403
    Matthews Professional Employment, Inc. specializes in staffing and recruitment. They offer job opportunities in various sectors. They provide good salaries and benefits.

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

The cost of living index in Waukegan, IL, stands at 94, which is 6% below the nationwide average of 100. This lower index reflects that residents in Waukegan can expect to spend less on most living expenses compared to the national average. Specifically, housing costs are 8% below the national average, while groceries and utilities are slightly below or at par. Transportation costs are 10% lower, and healthcare costs are 3% higher. This slight increase in healthcare costs is the only category where expenses exceed the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waukegan, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 3% higher, miscellaneous 4% lower.

The cost of living in Waukegan, IL, is slightly below the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Waukegan are 92, which means they are 8% lower than the national average. This can be a significant advantage for those looking for more affordable living options. Groceries in Waukegan are priced at 95, which is 5% below the national average, offering a small but noticeable savings for residents.


Utilities, including electricity and gas, are priced at 98 in Waukegan, which is just 2% below the national average. Transportation costs are 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. This can be a significant benefit for those who rely on personal vehicles for commuting. The healthcare index in Waukegan is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. This indicates that healthcare costs are slightly above average, which might be a consideration for some job seekers. Miscellaneous costs, such as entertainment and personal care, are at 96, which is 4% below the national average. Overall, Waukegan offers a cost of living that is generally favorable for those seeking to manage their expenses effectively.

There are 636 job openings in Waukegan, IL, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Waukegan, IL. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Waukegan, IL
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