What is the average salary in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan, IL, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary for workers in the area stands at approximately $63,476. This figure provides a good overview of what job seekers might expect in terms of compensation.
Looking at the distribution, about 26.76% of workers earn around $30,650 or less. On the higher end, 18.12% earn close to $42,409. The median salary sits comfortably around $54,168, which means half of the workers earn more and half earn less. The highest earners, making up 1.22% of the workforce, bring in over $148,241 a year. This variety suggests that there are good earning potentials available across different job sectors in Waukegan.
What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL?

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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $119,676
This role involves designing and developing software. Companies like tech firms often seek skilled engineers. They offer competitive pay and benefits.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $113,415
Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their behavior. Schools and private practices hire them. They conduct assessments and create treatment plans.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $108,694
They support students with their mental health. Schools and educational institutions offer these positions. They work closely with teachers and parents.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $101,487
This position helps people with communication disorders. Hospitals and clinics often hire them. They assess and treat speech and language issues.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $101,419
They help patients regain skills for daily tasks. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers hire them. They create personalized treatment plans.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $85,201
RNs provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They administer treatments and monitor health. The demand for nurses is high.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $82,925
They treat patients with breathing issues. Hospitals and outpatient care centers hire them. They use machines to help patients breathe.
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Social Worker
Average Salary: $79,269
They support individuals and families in need. Agencies and schools hire them. They help with counseling and finding resources.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $76,596
They transport goods across state lines. Companies often seek experienced drivers. They must follow safety regulations and schedules.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $71,300
LPNs provide basic patient care. Hospitals and clinics hire them. They work under the supervision of doctors and RNs.
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What are the best paying jobs in Waukegan, IL without a degree?

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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $37,455
Join a dynamic team to prepare meals for the restaurant’s patrons. Work closely with chefs and cooks to ensure timely and quality service. The job offers a steady environment with plenty of hands-on experience.
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Barista
Average Salary: $34,703
Craft and serve coffee beverages in a fast-paced setting. Engage with customers to understand their preferences and provide excellent service. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with high-quality coffee equipment.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $34,556
Support kitchen staff by preparing ingredients and maintaining cleanliness. Assist in food preparation tasks to ensure smooth operations. This role offers a great entry point into the food service industry.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $33,068
Maintain cleanliness and order in living spaces. Clean rooms, change linens, and ensure a welcoming environment for guests. This job provides a chance to work in various settings, including hotels and resorts.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,436
Serve customers in a dining setting. Take orders, prepare food, and handle payments. Work in a team to deliver an enjoyable dining experience. This position is great for those who enjoy interacting with people.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $31,308
Assist in organizing recreational activities for residents. Facilitate games, exercise routines, and social events. Promote a healthy and active lifestyle. This job is perfect for those who enjoy community engagement.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Waukegan, IL?

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Abbott
Average Salary: $157,369
Abbott is a global healthcare leader. They create devices and products for nutrition, diagnostics, medicine, and lifestyle changes.
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Soliant
Average Salary: $92,435
Soliant connects job seekers with educational and healthcare roles. They focus on special education and allied health careers.
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Sunbelt Staffing
Average Salary: $91,855
Sunbelt Staffing offers staffing and workforce solutions. They serve industries like healthcare, education, and technology.
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TEKsystems
Average Salary: $82,701
TEKsystems is a technology staffing and solutions company. They connect job seekers with opportunities in IT and engineering.
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Uline
Average Salary: $74,262
Uline manufactures and distributes shipping and packaging materials. They have a vast product line to serve different business needs.
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Elevate Care
Average Salary: $69,455
Elevate Care provides home healthcare services. They offer personal care and home health aides to support seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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Lake County
Average Salary: $66,485
Lake County is a local government entity. They offer a range of services from public safety to public works and social services.
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The Visual Pak Companies
Average Salary: $66,034
The Visual Pak Companies create and distribute promotional packaging. They focus on items that promote products and brands.
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Lake Behavioral Hospital
Average Salary: $63,081
Lake Behavioral Hospital offers mental health and addiction treatment services. They focus on providing comprehensive care for those in need.
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Inteplast Group
Average Salary: $56,243
Inteplast Group makes flexible plastic packaging materials. They provide solutions for the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.
How does the cost of living in Waukegan, IL compare to the national average?

Waukegan, IL, offers a cost of living that is generally below the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, the housing index stands at 90, indicating that living expenses in Waukegan are 10% lower than the national average. This reduced housing cost can be a significant advantage for job seekers looking to manage their budgets more efficiently.
In other key areas such as groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses, Waukegan remains competitive. The grocery index is slightly below the average at 95, reflecting a 5% decrease. Utilities, however, show a minor increase at 98, just 2% above the average. Overall, these figures suggest that while some costs are lower, others are only marginally higher, presenting a balanced cost of living scenario for potential residents. Transportation and healthcare indices are at 92 and 100, respectively, indicating expenses that are either comparable to or slightly below the national standard.



