Illinois salaries by occupation
The median worker in Illinois earned $50,000 a year in 2024, about $24.04 an hour, 1% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 679 occupations.
Median pay $50,000 $24.04 per hour
Vs national median +1% U.S. $49,500
Workers 6,065,230 wage and salary
Occupations reported 679 with at least 100 employed
What Illinois is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Technicians | 3.71× | 870 | $102,810 |
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.35× | 540 | $76,030 |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 2.88× | 1,410 | $60,130 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 2.44× | 1,680 | $59,720 |
| Parking Enforcement Workers | 2.33× | 710 | $47,150 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | 2.3× | 3,320 | $65,400 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 2.16× | 13,180 | $42,320 |
| Tool and Die Makers | 2.12× | 4,590 | $60,610 |
| Actors | 2.1× | 3,200 | not reported |
| Insurance Underwriters | 2× | 8,480 | $84,580 |
Metro areas in Illinois
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 12 Illinois metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $51,510 | $24.76 | 4,473,740 | #56 |
| Bloomington | $51,270 | $24.65 | 90,160 | #59 |
| Decatur | $49,640 | $23.86 | 45,270 | #91 |
| Springfield | $49,550 | $23.82 | 102,720 | #94 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $48,600 | $23.36 | 104,620 | #113 |
| St. Louis | $48,290 | $23.21 | 1,339,700 | #126 |
| Peoria | $47,990 | $23.07 | 165,230 | #140 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $47,470 | $22.82 | 179,940 | #166 |
| Rockford | $45,970 | $22.10 | 139,310 | #222 |
| Kankakee | $45,260 | $21.76 | 42,490 | #249 |
| Paducah | $44,140 | $21.22 | 50,590 | #293 |
| Cape Girardeau | $42,060 | $20.22 | 44,760 | #328 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $234,880 | $112.92 | 1,660 | #2 of 15 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $220,260 | $105.89 | 1,540 | #13 of 23 |
| Physicians, All Other | $218,880 | $105.23 | 18,680 | #11 of 18 |
| Pediatricians, General | $207,740 | $99.88 | 1,340 | #18 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $180,420 | $86.74 | 4,820 | #16 of 46 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $175,090 | $84.18 | 1,000 | #3 of 36 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $165,720 | $79.67 | 27,550 | #16 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $159,990 | $76.92 | 53,400 | #15 of 51 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $158,690 | $76.29 | 3,100 | #9 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $157,480 | $75.71 | 9,030 | #26 of 49 |
| Lawyers | $157,320 | $75.63 | 33,430 | #10 of 49 |
| Marketing Managers | $154,480 | $74.27 | 21,670 | #15 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 183,590 | $39,840 | $19.15 |
| General and Operations Managers | 170,790 | $101,430 | $48.76 |
| Registered Nurses | 139,900 | $86,410 | $41.54 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 139,090 | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| Retail Salespersons | 132,880 | $34,490 | $16.58 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 125,810 | $37,640 | $18.09 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 119,640 | $36,310 | $17.46 |
| Cashiers | 118,010 | $31,340 | $15.07 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 109,940 | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Office Clerks, General | 103,580 | $43,830 | $21.07 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Illinois
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 79
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $112,230
- Power Plant Operators $103,020
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $98,240
- Gas Plant Operators $95,950
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $83,960
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $69,960
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $66,580
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $65,920
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $64,270
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $64,060
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $63,790
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $61,710
- Tool and Die Makers $60,610
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $57,140
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $56,860
- Machinists $56,700
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $56,200
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $56,090
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $55,620
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $55,490
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $54,200
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $52,850
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $52,360
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,860
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $51,110
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $50,500
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,730
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,470
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $49,250
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,070
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,750
- Food Batchmakers $48,440
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,420
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $48,320
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,210
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $48,010
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $48,010
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $47,730
- Etchers and Engravers $47,720
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $47,680
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,680
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,540
- Printing Press Operators $47,210
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $47,040
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $46,960
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,970
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $45,720
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,700
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,620
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $45,410
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,990
- Furniture Finishers $44,950
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $44,620
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $42,890
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,320
- Upholsterers $42,290
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,710
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $41,310
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $41,160
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $40,920
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $40,810
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $40,800
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $40,610
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $40,310
- Medical Appliance Technicians $40,230
- Helpers--Production Workers $40,180
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $39,880
- Production Workers, All Other $39,770
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $39,420
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $38,790
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $38,530
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $38,340
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,850
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $37,170
- Bakers $36,770
- Sewing Machine Operators $35,540
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,540
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $35,140
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $33,880
Education and library 62
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $128,670
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $125,230
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $102,560
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $100,360
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,220
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $100,210
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $99,880
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $99,270
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $96,980
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $96,350
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $95,270
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $87,410
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $84,620
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $83,580
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $82,490
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $82,350
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $81,940
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $79,950
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $79,910
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $79,460
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $79,230
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $78,870
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $78,860
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $77,290
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $77,100
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $77,020
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $76,960
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $76,170
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $76,120
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $76,030
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $75,840
- Instructional Coordinators $75,760
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $75,350
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $75,090
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $71,790
- Archivists $69,590
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $68,480
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $66,670
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $65,390
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $64,800
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $64,160
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $62,940
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $62,650
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $62,360
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $61,690
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $61,360
- Curators $60,850
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $60,420
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,410
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $60,310
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $59,890
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $59,720
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $59,480
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $49,160
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $46,170
- Library Technicians $43,920
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $42,870
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $38,330
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $37,220
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $36,120
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $35,780
- Tutors $35,350
Healthcare practitioners 49
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $234,880
- Family Medicine Physicians $220,260
- Physicians, All Other $218,880
- Pediatricians, General $207,740
- Dentists, General $180,420
- Medical Dosimetrists $140,780
- Optometrists $136,200
- Pharmacists $135,880
- Nurse Practitioners $128,620
- Veterinarians $128,290
- Physician Assistants $122,990
- Nurse Midwives $114,420
- Physical Therapists $103,380
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $101,840
- Occupational Therapists $98,900
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $97,810
- Dental Hygienists $96,490
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $88,730
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $87,630
- Registered Nurses $86,410
- Audiologists $84,520
- Speech-Language Pathologists $82,480
- Respiratory Therapists $81,310
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $79,610
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $77,890
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $73,600
- Therapists, All Other $71,040
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $67,760
- Chiropractors $67,610
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $66,940
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $66,030
- Recreational Therapists $63,610
- Surgical Technologists $62,510
- Athletic Trainers $62,140
- Surgical Assistants $62,030
- Exercise Physiologists $61,270
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $60,760
- Paramedics $59,110
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $57,020
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $49,570
- Medical Records Specialists $49,420
- Hearing Aid Specialists $49,090
- Psychiatric Technicians $48,550
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $47,860
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $44,790
- Pharmacy Technicians $44,610
- Dietetic Technicians $41,440
- Opticians, Dispensing $41,230
- Emergency Medical Technicians $40,780
Office and administrative support 48
- Meter Readers, Utilities $78,620
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $74,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $66,010
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $65,270
- Postal Service Clerks $61,110
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $60,740
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $60,060
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $59,860
- Brokerage Clerks $59,590
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $58,070
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $57,450
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,450
- Financial Clerks, All Other $52,890
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $51,310
- Word Processors and Typists $50,420
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,330
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $49,500
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,840
- Cargo and Freight Agents $48,420
- Billing and Posting Clerks $48,030
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,890
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,480
- Bill and Account Collectors $47,220
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,960
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $46,490
- Procurement Clerks $46,320
- File Clerks $46,320
- New Accounts Clerks $46,080
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $45,400
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $45,200
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $45,000
- Customer Service Representatives $44,910
- Order Clerks $44,790
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $44,600
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $44,280
- Office Clerks, General $43,830
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $42,990
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $40,230
- Couriers and Messengers $39,680
- Data Entry Keyers $39,450
- Tellers $38,490
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $37,150
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,940
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $34,990
- Gambling Cage Workers $34,560
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $34,280
- Library Assistants, Clerical $32,360
Construction and extraction 44
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $130,070
- Tapers $109,510
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $102,260
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $101,030
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $100,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $100,360
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $96,980
- Electricians $96,360
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $96,200
- Boilermakers $95,340
- Sheet Metal Workers $93,570
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $86,330
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $83,020
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $82,710
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $79,860
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $77,450
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $76,930
- Carpenters $76,410
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $75,820
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $74,030
- Construction and Building Inspectors $73,050
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $69,810
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $69,240
- Roofers $66,940
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $66,130
- Construction Laborers $64,890
- Fence Erectors $62,400
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $62,390
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $62,320
- Glaziers $59,990
- Highway Maintenance Workers $58,130
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $55,640
- Tile and Stone Setters $53,430
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $51,060
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,840
- Pipelayers $49,030
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $48,760
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $44,890
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $43,690
- Carpet Installers $43,200
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $41,870
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $41,730
- Helpers--Carpenters $36,650
- Helpers--Electricians $31,020
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $107,210
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $105,970
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $87,250
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $83,720
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $82,680
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $79,700
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $75,590
- Millwrights $75,510
- Rail Car Repairers $73,480
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $71,620
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $67,520
- Riggers $67,420
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $66,770
- Avionics Technicians $66,190
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $66,110
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $64,770
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $62,750
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $62,550
- Medical Equipment Repairers $62,180
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $60,580
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $60,420
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $60,310
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $59,650
- Home Appliance Repairers $57,890
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $54,220
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $53,500
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,690
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,450
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $48,860
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,790
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $48,410
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $48,290
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $47,610
- Mechanical Door Repairers $47,570
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $47,360
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $46,450
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $46,260
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $45,940
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $45,850
- Bicycle Repairers $43,170
- Motorcycle Mechanics $39,620
- Tire Repairers and Changers $37,050
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $35,100
Transport and material moving 38
- Air Traffic Controllers $175,090
- Ship Engineers $111,800
- Commercial Pilots $105,290
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $84,590
- Locomotive Engineers $83,690
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $76,090
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $75,970
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $69,950
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $67,600
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,950
- Flight Attendants $62,120
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $61,880
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $60,130
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,790
- Wellhead Pumpers $59,580
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $57,610
- Transportation Inspectors $57,590
- Crane and Tower Operators $53,240
- Bus Drivers, School $49,760
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,300
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $47,090
- Light Truck Drivers $46,440
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $44,260
- Aircraft Service Attendants $40,860
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $40,390
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,840
- Stockers and Order Fillers $37,640
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $37,440
- Parking Attendants $37,320
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $36,880
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,280
- Driver/Sales Workers $36,220
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $35,900
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $35,690
- Transportation Workers, All Other $35,240
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,610
- Taxi Drivers $29,120
- Passenger Attendants $29,120
Life, physical and social science 37
- Physicists $131,260
- Materials Scientists $120,320
- Forensic Science Technicians $117,590
- Economists $112,790
- Physical Scientists, All Other $108,630
- Nuclear Technicians $102,810
- Epidemiologists $99,220
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $97,470
- Chemists $97,170
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $96,570
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $94,520
- Survey Researchers $92,520
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $89,010
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $85,420
- Psychologists, All Other $81,270
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $80,570
- School Psychologists $80,220
- Urban and Regional Planners $80,140
- Food Scientists and Technologists $80,030
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $78,620
- Biological Scientists, All Other $78,600
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $78,430
- Foresters $75,160
- Microbiologists $74,350
- Conservation Scientists $72,550
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $66,000
- Food Science Technicians $63,730
- Chemical Technicians $61,830
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $57,770
- Social Science Research Assistants $54,720
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $54,720
- Life Scientists, All Other $54,170
- Biological Technicians $49,710
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $46,880
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $45,570
- Agricultural Technicians $41,580
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $30,690
Management 34
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $165,720
- Financial Managers $159,990
- Natural Sciences Managers $158,690
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $157,480
- Marketing Managers $154,480
- Sales Managers $142,170
- Purchasing Managers $139,330
- Human Resources Managers $134,320
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $127,530
- Training and Development Managers $125,000
- Public Relations Managers $122,950
- Industrial Production Managers $120,320
- Medical and Health Services Managers $113,610
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $113,120
- Construction Managers $108,570
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $108,560
- Administrative Services Managers $105,590
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $105,250
- Facilities Managers $103,410
- General and Operations Managers $101,430
- Fundraising Managers $101,000
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $95,520
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $91,370
- Funeral Home Managers $85,420
- Emergency Management Directors $80,590
- Social and Community Service Managers $76,110
- Education Administrators, All Other $76,060
- Gambling Managers $75,990
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $73,250
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $65,400
- Food Service Managers $65,130
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $61,130
- Lodging Managers $57,330
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $48,580
Arts, design, entertainment and media 32
- Art Directors $100,530
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $82,950
- Technical Writers $79,690
- Producers and Directors $76,370
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $76,030
- Broadcast Technicians $74,990
- Set and Exhibit Designers $71,340
- Editors $68,050
- Interior Designers $66,300
- Writers and Authors $66,180
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $65,290
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $64,300
- Public Relations Specialists $63,590
- Graphic Designers $60,010
- Film and Video Editors $58,620
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $56,600
- Sound Engineering Technicians $56,340
- Audio and Video Technicians $55,030
- Interpreters and Translators $53,870
- Lighting Technicians $47,320
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $47,010
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $46,700
- Music Directors and Composers $46,310
- Coaches and Scouts $45,920
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $42,240
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,480
- Floral Designers $35,410
- Photographers $34,600
- Actors not reported
- Dancers not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Business and financial 29
- Management Analysts $110,370
- Personal Financial Advisors $104,310
- Project Management Specialists $102,490
- Financial and Investment Analysts $101,400
- Financial Examiners $99,680
- Financial Risk Specialists $98,410
- Labor Relations Specialists $95,080
- Budget Analysts $91,140
- Insurance Underwriters $84,580
- Credit Analysts $81,380
- Financial Specialists, All Other $81,190
- Cost Estimators $79,880
- Compliance Officers $79,350
- Accountants and Auditors $79,300
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $77,980
- Logisticians $76,550
- Loan Officers $75,960
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $75,150
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $75,020
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $74,710
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $74,410
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $72,840
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $72,490
- Human Resources Specialists $72,350
- Training and Development Specialists $63,550
- Fundraisers $63,360
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $59,860
- Credit Counselors $51,160
- Tax Preparers $39,220
Architecture and engineering 29
- Nuclear Engineers $130,160
- Aerospace Engineers $122,540
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $121,380
- Chemical Engineers $120,360
- Engineers, All Other $109,380
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $108,530
- Computer Hardware Engineers $107,720
- Environmental Engineers $107,550
- Materials Engineers $105,980
- Electrical Engineers $104,000
- Industrial Engineers $99,990
- Mechanical Engineers $99,730
- Civil Engineers $97,640
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $79,320
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $78,730
- Landscape Architects $78,350
- Surveyors $77,540
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $77,150
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $76,520
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $74,010
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $73,520
- Mechanical Drafters $72,530
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $69,430
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $68,160
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $66,950
- Drafters, All Other $62,540
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $58,100
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $56,580
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $50,080
Personal care and service 28
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $60,680
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $51,550
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $50,290
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $46,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $46,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $45,820
- Costume Attendants $44,690
- Crematory Operators $41,600
- Residential Advisors $39,730
- Concierges $38,870
- Skincare Specialists $38,580
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $38,560
- Barbers $36,300
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $36,130
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $35,730
- Tour and Travel Guides $35,070
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $34,800
- Animal Trainers $34,560
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,520
- Animal Caretakers $34,440
- Recreation Workers $33,830
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $33,560
- Funeral Attendants $32,880
- Childcare Workers $32,860
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $30,980
- Gambling Dealers $30,230
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $29,910
- Shampooers $29,280
Protective service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $136,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $113,730
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $106,510
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $101,530
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $89,740
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $88,420
- Firefighters $79,080
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $78,750
- Private Detectives and Investigators $73,070
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $72,400
- Transportation Security Screeners $66,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $57,570
- Parking Enforcement Workers $47,150
- Bailiffs $46,290
- Animal Control Workers $44,630
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $43,590
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $38,820
- Security Guards $38,630
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $35,520
- School Bus Monitors $35,360
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $33,310
Sales 20
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $110,420
- Sales Engineers $98,820
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $82,130
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $77,520
- Advertising Sales Agents $66,350
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $65,210
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $64,330
- Insurance Sales Agents $59,340
- Real Estate Brokers $55,290
- Real Estate Sales Agents $51,210
- Travel Agents $47,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $47,240
- Parts Salespersons $38,810
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $38,320
- Counter and Rental Clerks $36,830
- Retail Salespersons $34,490
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $33,750
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $32,740
- Cashiers $31,340
- Telemarketers $29,120
Computing and mathematics 19
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $135,120
- Database Architects $134,490
- Computer Network Architects $132,310
- Software Developers $127,770
- Actuaries $121,960
- Statisticians $116,860
- Information Security Analysts $114,300
- Data Scientists $113,490
- Web Developers $103,300
- Operations Research Analysts $102,750
- Database Administrators $101,070
- Computer Occupations, All Other $100,310
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $100,300
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $96,640
- Computer Systems Analysts $95,920
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $94,660
- Computer Programmers $83,460
- Computer Network Support Specialists $64,800
- Computer User Support Specialists $56,540
Community and social service 17
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $70,350
- Healthcare Social Workers $68,710
- Social Workers, All Other $63,590
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $62,260
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $61,210
- Clergy $60,290
- Marriage and Family Therapists $60,140
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $59,570
- Health Education Specialists $58,100
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $58,090
- Counselors, All Other $49,650
- Rehabilitation Counselors $48,580
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $48,060
- Community Health Workers $47,610
- Religious Workers, All Other $46,800
- Social and Human Service Assistants $45,700
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $40,050
Healthcare support 16
- Physical Therapist Assistants $64,630
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $63,710
- Massage Therapists $60,640
- Psychiatric Aides $47,650
- Dental Assistants $47,430
- Medical Equipment Preparers $47,100
- Phlebotomists $45,620
- Medical Assistants $45,490
- Nursing Assistants $44,750
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $41,280
- Orderlies $38,480
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $37,310
- Pharmacy Aides $37,090
- Medical Transcriptionists $36,610
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $36,310
- Physical Therapist Aides $34,790
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $61,450
- Cooks, All Other $47,100
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $39,080
- Cooks, Short Order $36,700
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,630
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $36,590
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,430
- Dishwashers $35,200
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $34,380
- Food Preparation Workers $34,180
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $31,900
- Cooks, Fast Food $31,580
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $31,080
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $29,490
- Bartenders $29,120
- Waiters and Waitresses $29,120
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $64,550
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $54,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $50,660
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $48,320
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $47,410
- Pest Control Workers $46,310
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $43,120
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,010
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $35,600
Farming, fishing and forestry 5
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Illinois?
The median across all occupations is $50,000 a year, or $24.04 an hour, covering 6,065,230 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Illinois?
General Internal Medicine Physicians ($234,880), Family Medicine Physicians ($220,260), Physicians, All Other ($218,880) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Illinois employ the most people in?
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, with 183,590 employed at a median of $39,840. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Illinois electricity averages 23.85¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.