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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
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 $70,751 salary elsewhere?
About $73,294, 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).
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.
- 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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