How to Become a Legislators in Illinois
Legislators in Illinois earn a median salary of $33,160/year, which is 26% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a legislators takes home approximately $841/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a legislators can afford in Illinois
Becoming a legislators in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Legislators positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many legislators positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for legislatorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois has an active job market for legislators. The highest concentrations are in Champaign-Urbana and Rockford.
Legislators salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign-Urbana | $138K | $/hr | 50 |
| Rockford | $41K | $/hr | 50 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $37K | $/hr | — |
Legislators salary range in Illinois
Legislators careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legislators make in Illinois?▼
The median legislators salary in Illinois is $33,160 per year ($null/hr). This is 26% below the national median of $44,810. Salaries range from $29,120 to $137,740.
What are the requirements to become a legislators in Illinois?▼
Legislators positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a legislators afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $33,160, a legislators in Illinois would take home approximately $2,253/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 62.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for legislators in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for legislators in Illinois are Champaign-Urbana ($137,740), Rockford ($40,550), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($36,560). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for legislators?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $33,160 salary, this means roughly $1,641/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.