Top Paying Jobs in Illinois
Illinois has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 581,630 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Cardiologists ($517,850), Surgeons, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologists ($435,750). The cost of living index is 93.85 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,407/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$160K
Avg. median salary
93.85
Cost of living index
$1,407
Median 2BR rent
12,667,240
Population
Highest paying careers in Illinois
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiologists | Healthcare | $518K | $248.97/hr |
| 2 | Surgeons, All Other | Healthcare | $438K | $210.58/hr |
| 3 | Dermatologists | Healthcare | $436K | $209.49/hr |
| 4 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $427K | $205.09/hr |
| 5 | Physicians, Pathologists | Healthcare | $382K | $183.55/hr |
| 6 | Orthodontists | Healthcare | $343K | $164.95/hr |
| 7 | Chief Executives | Management | $332K | $159.58/hr |
| 8 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Transportation | $293K | N/A |
| 9 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $287K | $137.9/hr |
| 10 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $285K | $136.84/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Illinois
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-6.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,407/mo
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Metro areas in Illinois
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Illinois?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data