Overview Salaries

Salaries in Waukegan, IL

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?

The average salary in Waukegan, IL is $64,644 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $64,644 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $5,387 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Waukegan, IL, showing an average salary of $1,243 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.

The average yearly salary in Waukegan, IL, stands at $64,644. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers considering opportunities in the area. A variety of industries contribute to this average, offering diverse salary ranges.


The salary distribution in Waukegan varies across different sectors. Key industries include:

  • Health care and social assistance: 27.82%
  • Retail trade: 19.35%
  • Manufacturing: 13.66%
  • Educational services: 10.87%
  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: 7.79%
  • Accommodation and food services: 6.85%
  • Other services (except government): 3.06%
  • Administrative and waste services: 2.58%
  • Finance and insurance: 1.29%
  • Utilities: 1.08%
  • Information: 0.65%

Job seekers can look to these sectors for potential career opportunities with varying salary scales.

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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

Job seekers in Waukegan, IL, will find many well-paying opportunities in various fields. High-paying jobs include software engineering, school psychology, and occupational therapy. These positions offer competitive salaries and valuable career benefits. In Waukegan, software engineers earn an average of $114,834 per year. School psychologists and occupational therapists also make strong salaries at $105,300 and $101,679, respectively. Speech language pathologists, behavior analysts, and registered nurses also have rewarding careers with average salaries above $90,000. Such roles provide stability and growth for dedicated professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Software Engineer with the highest at $114,834 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $72,456.

  1. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $114,834
    Creating innovative software solutions is key. Companies here value high-level programming skills. Opportunities exist for career growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $105,300
    Working with students and educators, this role focuses on mental health support. Partnerships with local schools are common. This position offers a chance to make a positive impact.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $101,679
    Helping individuals of all ages, this role promotes health and wellness. Local clinics and hospitals need skilled therapists. It's a fulfilling job with many growth opportunities.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $100,262
    Assisting those with communication disorders is essential. Collaboration with schools and healthcare facilities is frequent. This job offers the chance to improve lives.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $98,451
    Implementing behavior intervention plans, this role works with clients of all ages. Schools and behavioral health centers seek qualified analysts. It's a rewarding job with many opportunities.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $86,081
    Providing critical patient care is the main focus. Hospitals and clinics look for dedicated nurses. It’s a stable and respected career with plenty of advancement options.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $82,537
    Helping patients with breathing issues, this role is vital. Local healthcare facilities need skilled therapists. It’s a specialized job with a strong demand.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $76,596
    Transporting goods and materials is key. Local businesses and logistics companies hire CDL drivers. It’s a job with consistent demand and room for career progression.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Waukegan, IL


  9. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $75,547
    Supporting individuals and families in need, this role is essential. Community organizations and social service agencies seek dedicated workers. It’s a job with a meaningful impact.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $72,456
    Providing basic patient care, this role is important. Hospitals and long-term care facilities need LPNs. It’s a steady career with growth opportunities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Waukegan, IL

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

In Waukegan, IL, several well-paying jobs do not require a college degree. These positions offer attractive salaries and can provide rewarding work experiences. For instance, Yard Workers can earn about $37,489 annually, while Kitchen Team Members make around $37,455 per year. These roles are accessible and can be excellent choices for those seeking good pay without a formal degree. Floor Techs can expect to earn approximately $35,877 each year, and Baristas bring in about $35,671 annually. Servers typically make around $34,416 per year, while Food Service Aides and Housekeeping staff can earn roughly $34,313 and $32,978, respectively. These positions demonstrate that high earnings are possible without a college education. Recreation Assistants make about $30,989 per year. These jobs offer good income and opportunities to gain valuable experience.
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 $30,989.

  1. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $37,489
    Maintain and beautify outdoor areas. Work in landscaping for local businesses and homeowners. Handle tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting flowers.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Waukegan, IL


  2. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,455
    Prepare and cook food for customers. Serve in cafes and restaurants in the area. Work under chefs and kitchen managers to ensure food quality.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Waukegan, IL


  3. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $35,877
    Keep floors clean and safe. Work in retail stores and offices. Sweep, mop, and vacuum. Ensure a safe environment for employees and customers.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Waukegan, IL


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $35,671
    Prepare and serve coffee and beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Interact with customers to take orders and provide recommendations.
    Find Barista jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $34,416
    Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. Work in busy dining areas. Take orders, deliver food, and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Waukegan, IL


  6. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $34,313
    Assist in preparing meals and maintaining the kitchen. Work in schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Help cooks and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Waukegan, IL


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,978
    Clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels. Ensure rooms are tidy and welcoming. Work as part of a team to meet high cleanliness standards.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Waukegan, IL


  8. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,989
    Lead and organize recreational activities for individuals of all ages. Work in community centers and parks. Plan and supervise games and events to promote wellness.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Waukegan, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

Abbott leads the pack as the best-paying company in Waukegan, IL. Their average salary stands significantly higher than other companies in the area, offering employees a competitive edge. Following closely behind, the State of Illinois provides another high-paying job opportunity for those looking to secure a strong income. In addition to Abbott and the State of Illinois, Dollar General, ProCare Therapy, and Sunbelt Staffing also offer attractive compensation packages. These companies recognize the value of their employees and reflect this in their salary offerings. Additionally, positions at Soliant and TEKsystems, though slightly lower, still provide rewarding opportunities for professionals seeking good compensation. Companies like Uline, Elevate Care, and Lake County, IL, while offering respectable salaries, fall below the top earners but remain viable options for job seekers prioritizing both salary and career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Waukegan, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $153,856 and Lake County, IL with the lowest at $66,444.

  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $153,856
    Abbott offers healthcare and nutritional products. It has a strong reputation and provides a competitive salary. This makes it an attractive place to work.


  2. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $97,510
    The State of Illinois offers many job opportunities in various fields. Employees benefit from good salaries and benefits. They also enjoy job stability.


  3. Dollar General
    Average Salary: $95,247
    Dollar General is a retail company. It offers retail and management positions. Employees receive a good salary and the chance to grow within the company.


  4. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $92,558
    ProCare Therapy focuses on healthcare services. They offer therapy jobs in different areas. The company provides a good salary and opportunities for career growth.


  5. Sunbelt Staffing
    Average Salary: $91,840
    Sunbelt Staffing is a staffing agency. It helps people find jobs in healthcare and education. They offer a good salary and benefits to their staff.


  6. Soliant
    Average Salary: $91,810
    Soliant specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer good salaries and benefits. They also help with career development.


  7. TEKsystems
    Average Salary: $79,704
    TEKsystems offers jobs in IT and engineering. They provide a good salary and benefits. They also focus on employee growth and development.


  8. Uline
    Average Salary: $75,074
    Uline is a shipping and packaging company. It offers many job opportunities in logistics and operations. Employees receive a good salary and benefits.


  9. Elevate Care
    Average Salary: $66,685
    Elevate Care offers healthcare services. They provide a good salary and benefits. They focus on quality care and employee satisfaction.


  10. Lake County, IL
    Average Salary: $66,444
    Lake County offers government jobs in various fields. Employees benefit from a good salary and job stability. They also enjoy benefits and retirement plans.

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

The cost of living index in Waukegan, IL, shows that the city's housing costs are 6% below the nationwide average, while groceries are 2% higher. Utilities and transportation also run slightly below average at 5% and 10%, respectively. However, healthcare and miscellaneous expenses are close to the national norm, at 2% below and 3% below average. Overall, Waukegan offers a slightly more affordable lifestyle compared to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Waukegan, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 6% lower, groceries 2% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

Waukegan, IL, shows a cost of living index that differs from the nationwide average of 100. The housing index in Waukegan stands at 94, meaning it costs 6% less than the national average. This slight decrease in housing costs can be a factor to consider for individuals seeking affordable living options. Similarly, the utilities index at 95 also indicates a 5% reduction, which can be beneficial for those budgeting their expenses.


In other areas, the grocery index in Waukegan is slightly higher, at 102, indicating a 2% increase compared to the nationwide average. While this may affect grocery expenses, the overall transportation index at 90 shows an 10% lower cost. Healthcare costs also remain relatively close to the average at 98, with a minor 2% increase. Miscellaneous costs, at 97, show a slight decrease of 3%. Overall, Waukegan offers a balanced cost of living with some areas showing both decreases and increases compared to the national average.

There are 484 job openings in Waukegan, IL, today!

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Waukegan, IL
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