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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Psychiatrists | Healthcare | $259K | $124.4/hr |
| 12 | Dentists, All Other Specialists | Healthcare | $251K | $120.62/hr |
| 13 | Family Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $245K | $117.84/hr |
| 14 | Neurologists | Healthcare | $237K | $113.98/hr |
| 15 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Healthcare | $208K | $100/hr |
| 16 | Pediatricians, General | Healthcare | $197K | $94.6/hr |
| 17 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $182K | $87.29/hr |
| 18 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $172K | $82.56/hr |
| 19 | Podiatrists | Healthcare | $167K | $80.48/hr |
| 20 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | Management | $167K | $80.45/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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Compare Illinois to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Illinois?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Illinois?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data