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Average salary by job family in Chicago
| Management | $150,130 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $148,260 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $114,060 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $106,210 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $103,200 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $100,370 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $96,800 |
| Construction and Extraction | $85,000 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $77,650 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $70,090 |
| Protective Service | $66,950 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $66,320 |
| Community and Social Service | $64,720 |
| Sales and Related | $59,990 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $53,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $53,680 |
| Production | $51,860 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $45,790 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $43,410 |
| Healthcare Support | $43,250 |
| Personal Care and Service | $42,480 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $37,730 |
Highest-paying jobs in Chicago
- Radiologists$454,080
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$450,930
- Cardiologists$416,040
- Dermatologists$402,740
- Surgeons, All Other$398,860
- Chief Executives$357,220
- Physicians, Pathologists$339,170
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$316,610
- Nurse Anesthetists$285,110
- Psychiatrists$268,830
Most common jobs in Chicago and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 157,920 | $43,140 | $40,550 |
| General and Operations Managers | 122,930 | $143,740 | $109,390 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 108,520 | $38,490 | $38,180 |
| Registered Nurses | 100,240 | $97,930 | $100,490 |
| Cashiers | 99,240 | $35,760 | $35,010 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 97,280 | $34,690 | $34,630 |
| Retail Salespersons | 96,950 | $39,370 | $35,820 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 79,850 | $40,700 | $38,450 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 75,240 | $49,800 | $47,100 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 70,000 | $41,400 | $38,470 |
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Cost of living in Chicago
Prices in the Chicago area are 4% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 103.6 for 2024. The average local salary of $73,380 therefore buys what $70,834 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $353,998, 4.0 times the median household income of $88,850.
$353,998typical home value
$88,850median household income
103.6BEA price parity
9,359,555metro population
Take-home pay in Chicago
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $38,480 | $31,335 | $2,611 |
| Median wage | $54,720 | $43,580 | $3,632 |
| Average wage | $73,380 | $56,962 | $4,747 |
| 75th percentile wage | $86,670 | $65,654 | $5,471 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules).
Compare Chicago with another city
Cost of living: Chicago vs other cities
- Atlanta vs Chicago
- Baltimore vs Chicago
- Boston vs Chicago
- Chicago vs Dallas
- Chicago vs Denver
- Chicago vs Detroit
- Chicago vs Houston
- Chicago vs Los Angeles
- Chicago vs Miami
- Chicago vs Minneapolis
- Chicago vs New York
- Chicago vs Philadelphia
- Chicago vs Phoenix
- Chicago vs Riverside
- Chicago vs San Diego
- Chicago vs San Francisco
- Chicago vs Seattle
- Chicago vs Tampa
- Chicago vs Washington
Salaries for every job in Chicago
Management35 jobs
- Chief Executives$357K
- Financial Managers$191K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$185K
- Natural Sciences Managers$175K
- Marketing Managers$173K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$171K
- Sales Managers$170K
- Human Resources Managers$166K
- Purchasing Managers$163K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$159K
- Managers, All Other$158K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$155K
- Training and Development Managers$147K
- Public Relations Managers$146K
- General and Operations Managers$144K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$142K
- Industrial Production Managers$141K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$133K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$124K
- Fundraising Managers$122K
- Construction Managers$121K
- Facilities Managers$120K
- Administrative Services Managers$120K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$109K
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$102K
- Emergency Management Directors$101K
- Gambling Managers$91K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$91K
- Social and Community Service Managers$84K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$83K
- Education Administrators, All Other$82K
- Lodging Managers$73K
- Food Service Managers$70K
- Personal Service Managers, All Other$68K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$61K
Legal8 jobs
- Lawyers$187K
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates$144K
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers$126K
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$110K
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$75K
- Legal Support Workers, All Other$71K
- Judicial Law Clerks$61K
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$59K
Computer and Mathematical21 jobs
- Computer Network Architects$146K
- Database Architects$146K
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$143K
- Software Developers$142K
- Actuaries$130K
- Information Security Analysts$129K
- Statisticians$124K
- Mathematicians$124K
- Data Scientists$119K
- Database Administrators$111K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$109K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$109K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$109K
- Computer Systems Analysts$107K
- Computer Programmers$103K
- Web Developers$102K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$102K
- Operations Research Analysts$100K
- Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other$93K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$78K
- Computer User Support Specialists$66K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical65 jobs
- Radiologists$454K
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$451K
- Cardiologists$416K
- Dermatologists$403K
- Surgeons, All Other$399K
- Physicians, Pathologists$339K
- Nurse Anesthetists$285K
- Psychiatrists$269K
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$259K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$252K
- Dentists, All Other Specialists$249K
- Neurologists$242K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$233K
- Family Medicine Physicians$224K
- Pediatricians, General$219K
- Physicians, All Other$201K
- Dentists, General$192K
- Podiatrists$178K
- Anesthesiologists$165K
- Veterinarians$163K
- Medical Dosimetrists$161K
- Optometrists$144K
- Pharmacists$138K
- Therapists, All Other$137K
- Physician Assistants$134K
- Nurse Practitioners$133K
- Radiation Therapists$118K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$115K
- Nurse Midwives$111K
- Physical Therapists$110K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$108K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$103K
- Occupational Therapists$101K
- Audiologists$101K
- Registered Nurses$98K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$97K
- Genetic Counselors$96K
- Dental Hygienists$96K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$95K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$90K
- Respiratory Therapists$88K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$87K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$84K
- Paramedics$83K
- Chiropractors$79K
- Surgical Assistants$78K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$77K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$74K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Surgical Technologists$73K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$71K
- Athletic Trainers$70K
- Exercise Physiologists$68K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$67K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$65K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$63K
- Medical Records Specialists$59K
- Recreational Therapists$59K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$58K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$52K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$49K
- Opticians, Dispensing$47K
- Pharmacy Technicians$47K
- Psychiatric Technicians$46K
- Dietetic Technicians$43K
Architecture and Engineering30 jobs
- Nuclear Engineers$142K
- Aerospace Engineers$140K
- Computer Hardware Engineers$139K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$135K
- Chemical Engineers$121K
- Engineers, All Other$119K
- Environmental Engineers$118K
- Electrical Engineers$118K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$118K
- Mechanical Engineers$110K
- Materials Engineers$109K
- Industrial Engineers$107K
- Civil Engineers$107K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$101K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$93K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$87K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$86K
- Surveyors$84K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$84K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$81K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$78K
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians$76K
- Mechanical Drafters$75K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74K
- Landscape Architects$74K
- Drafters, All Other$65K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$64K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$64K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$60K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$57K
Life, Physical, and Social Science40 jobs
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$183K
- Materials Scientists$140K
- Physicists$139K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$122K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$122K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$108K
- Forensic Science Technicians$106K
- Political Scientists$105K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$104K
- Urban and Regional Planners$104K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$102K
- Chemists$100K
- Nuclear Technicians$100K
- Epidemiologists$100K
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$99K
- School Psychologists$98K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$97K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$97K
- Microbiologists$96K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$94K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$94K
- Psychologists, All Other$94K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$87K
- Foresters$87K
- Historians$86K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$82K
- Survey Researchers$77K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$74K
- Food Science Technicians$71K
- Life Scientists, All Other$71K
- Social Science Research Assistants$68K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$67K
- Chemical Technicians$66K
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$66K
- Conservation Scientists$65K
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians$64K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$63K
- Biological Technicians$59K
- Agricultural Technicians$59K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$54K
Business and Financial Operations31 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$156K
- Financial Risk Specialists$123K
- Management Analysts$117K
- Project Management Specialists$114K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$113K
- Financial Examiners$112K
- Credit Analysts$107K
- Insurance Underwriters$106K
- Labor Relations Specialists$100K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$96K
- Budget Analysts$95K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$94K
- Accountants and Auditors$92K
- Loan Officers$92K
- Cost Estimators$91K
- Compliance Officers$91K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$91K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$90K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$88K
- Logisticians$84K
- Human Resources Specialists$83K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$83K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$83K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$80K
- Training and Development Specialists$75K
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes$75K
- Fundraisers$74K
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$72K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$67K
- Credit Counselors$59K
- Tax Preparers$55K
Construction and Extraction39 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$131K
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$109K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$108K
- Tapers$106K
- Boilermakers$104K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$101K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$96K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$96K
- Electricians$94K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$93K
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons$93K
- Sheet Metal Workers$86K
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$85K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$85K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$84K
- Carpenters$83K
- Stonemasons$82K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$82K
- Roofers$81K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$81K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$80K
- Tile and Stone Setters$76K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$76K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$75K
- Glaziers$74K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$72K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$71K
- Construction Laborers$69K
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$67K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$65K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$63K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$58K
- Pipelayers$57K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$56K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$55K
- Helpers--Carpenters$49K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$43K
- Helpers--Electricians$43K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$43K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media30 jobs
- Art Directors$117K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$105K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$102K
- Producers and Directors$101K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$99K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$96K
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$94K
- Technical Writers$94K
- Public Relations Specialists$89K
- Interior Designers$88K
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other$87K
- Broadcast Technicians$85K
- Editors$81K
- Writers and Authors$81K
- Lighting Technicians$80K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$77K
- Film and Video Editors$77K
- Graphic Designers$71K
- Sound Engineering Technicians$70K
- Coaches and Scouts$70K
- Audio and Video Technicians$69K
- Music Directors and Composers$63K
- Interpreters and Translators$61K
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$60K
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$60K
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$59K
- Photographers$52K
- Craft Artists$52K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$45K
- Floral Designers$39K
Educational Instruction and Library61 jobs
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$124K
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary$123K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$121K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$112K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$104K
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary$104K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$101K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$100K
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$100K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$99K
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$97K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$97K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$97K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$92K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$91K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$89K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$86K
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$84K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$84K
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$83K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$83K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$83K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$81K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$80K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$80K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$79K
- Instructional Coordinators$79K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$77K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$76K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$75K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$75K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$74K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$74K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$72K
- Curators$72K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$70K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$69K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$69K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$69K
- Archivists$67K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$67K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$67K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$67K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$62K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$52K
- Library Technicians$49K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$49K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$49K
- Tutors$46K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$46K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$45K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$40K
Protective Service21 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$135K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$122K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$110K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$103K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$99K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$80K
- Firefighters$80K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$79K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$74K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$68K
- Transportation Security Screeners$67K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$62K
- Bailiffs$54K
- Animal Control Workers$53K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$53K
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators$52K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$49K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$47K
- Security Guards$44K
- School Bus Monitors$34K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$34K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair43 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$115K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$112K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$102K
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$92K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$92K
- Avionics Technicians$91K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$79K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$79K
- Riggers$77K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$77K
- Millwrights$77K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$76K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$72K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$72K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$71K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$71K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$70K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$70K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$70K
- Rail Car Repairers$68K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$64K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$63K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$62K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$61K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$61K
- Home Appliance Repairers$60K
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$60K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$59K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$59K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$58K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$57K
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians$57K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$56K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$55K
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$54K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$52K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$52K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$49K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$48K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$46K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$43K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$42K
- Bicycle Repairers$39K
Community and Social Service17 jobs
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$78K
- Social Workers, All Other$77K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$74K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$72K
- Healthcare Social Workers$71K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$71K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$70K
- Health Education Specialists$69K
- Clergy$64K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$61K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$60K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$54K
- Religious Workers, All Other$54K
- Counselors, All Other$54K
- Community Health Workers$53K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$50K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$45K
Sales and Related21 jobs
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$122K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$121K
- Sales Engineers$114K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$102K
- Insurance Sales Agents$88K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$85K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$84K
- Advertising Sales Agents$83K
- Models$83K
- Real Estate Brokers$82K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$58K
- Travel Agents$56K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$55K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$55K
- Parts Salespersons$48K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$45K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$42K
- Telemarketers$40K
- Retail Salespersons$39K
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$36K
- Cashiers$36K
Office and Administrative Support51 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$80K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$77K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$75K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$70K
- Brokerage Clerks$67K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$65K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$65K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$64K
- Postal Service Clerks$64K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$64K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$63K
- Financial Clerks, All Other$63K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$62K
- Desktop Publishers$62K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$60K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$59K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$58K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$58K
- Word Processors and Typists$57K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$56K
- File Clerks$56K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$55K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$54K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$54K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$54K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$54K
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers$53K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$53K
- Correspondence Clerks$52K
- Bill and Account Collectors$52K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$51K
- New Accounts Clerks$51K
- Procurement Clerks$51K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$51K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$50K
- Customer Service Representatives$50K
- Office Clerks, General$50K
- Order Clerks$49K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$49K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$48K
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$46K
- Data Entry Keyers$46K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$45K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$44K
- Tellers$43K
- Gambling Cage Workers$43K
- Couriers and Messengers$43K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$41K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$40K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$38K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$37K
Transportation and Material Moving37 jobs
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$317K
- Air Traffic Controllers$174K
- Commercial Pilots$171K
- Hoist and Winch Operators$117K
- Ship Engineers$91K
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$88K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$84K
- Bridge and Lock Tenders$76K
- Transportation Inspectors$74K
- Flight Attendants$73K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$72K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$71K
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$71K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$71K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$67K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$65K
- Crane and Tower Operators$63K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$60K
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$59K
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders$55K
- Light Truck Drivers$55K
- Bus Drivers, School$52K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$52K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$50K
- Transportation Workers, All Other$48K
- Driver/Sales Workers$45K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$43K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$43K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$43K
- Aircraft Service Attendants$42K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$42K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$41K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$41K
- Parking Attendants$40K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$39K
- Taxi Drivers$38K
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$37K
Production88 jobs
- Power Plant Operators$116K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$110K
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$101K
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$98K
- Gas Plant Operators$97K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$80K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$79K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$77K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$73K
- Chemical Plant and System Operators$67K
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$66K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$62K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$62K
- Tool and Die Makers$62K
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$61K
- Machinists$61K
- Pourers and Casters, Metal$60K
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$60K
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$59K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$58K
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$58K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$56K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$56K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$55K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54K
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers$54K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$54K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$54K
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$54K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$53K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$53K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$53K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$53K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$53K
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51K
- Medical Appliance Technicians$50K
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50K
- Printing Press Operators$50K
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$49K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Food Batchmakers$48K
- Furniture Finishers$48K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$48K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$48K
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$47K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$47K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$47K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$46K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$46K
- Etchers and Engravers$46K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$46K
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$46K
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$45K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$45K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45K
- Production Workers, All Other$45K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$45K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$44K
- Woodworkers, All Other$44K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$44K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$44K
- Upholsterers$44K
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$44K
- Helpers--Production Workers$43K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$43K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43K
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$42K
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$42K
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers$42K
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$41K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$41K
- Sewers, Hand$41K
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$40K
- Bakers$40K
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$40K
- Sewing Machine Operators$39K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$36K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry6 jobs
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance10 jobs
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$62K
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$61K
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$61K
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$56K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$52K
- Pest Control Workers$49K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$46K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$41K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$41K
Healthcare Support17 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$68K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$67K
- Massage Therapists$61K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$53K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$52K
- Psychiatric Aides$51K
- Dental Assistants$50K
- Phlebotomists$47K
- Medical Assistants$47K
- Nursing Assistants$47K
- Occupational Therapy Aides$43K
- Orderlies$41K
- Medical Transcriptionists$41K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$41K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$38K
- Physical Therapist Aides$38K
- Pharmacy Aides$38K
Personal Care and Service28 jobs
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$82K
- Motion Picture Projectionists$80K
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers$68K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$57K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$55K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$54K
- Animal Trainers$50K
- Costume Attendants$50K
- Barbers$50K
- Skincare Specialists$48K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$44K
- Residential Advisors$44K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$43K
- Concierges$41K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$41K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$41K
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$41K
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other$40K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$40K
- Animal Caretakers$40K
- Tour and Travel Guides$39K
- Funeral Attendants$38K
- Recreation Workers$38K
- Childcare Workers$37K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$35K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$35K
- Shampooers$34K
- Gambling Dealers$33K
Food Preparation and Serving Related16 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$65K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$47K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$42K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$41K
- Cooks, Restaurant$40K
- Cooks, All Other$40K
- Cooks, Short Order$39K
- Dishwashers$37K
- Food Preparation Workers$37K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$37K
- Cooks, Fast Food$36K
- Bartenders$36K
- Waiters and Waitresses$36K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$35K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$35K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$34K
Jobs paid by the hour in Chicago
For 4 jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $59.93 | $53.16 | 1,050 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | $33.50 | $22.87 | n/a |
| Actors | $31.42 | $20.00 | 610 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $23.41 | $21.62 | 300 |
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Chicago: questions
What is a good salary in Chicago?
Half of all workers in the Chicago metro earn less than $54,720 and the average is $73,380. Earning more than $86,670 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Chicago to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $72,278, because prices here are 4% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 103.6).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Chicago?
Radiologists ($454,080), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($450,930), Cardiologists ($416,040).
What is the average salary in Naperville?
Naperville is part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, where the average salary is $73,380 a year and the median $54,720. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Naperville, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
What is the average salary in Elgin?
Elgin is part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, where the average salary is $73,380 a year and the median $54,720. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Elgin, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN (16980), all occupations and 715 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules).
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