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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Financial Managers | Management | $166K | $79.75/hr |
| 22 | Medical Dosimetrists | Healthcare | $164K | $78.78/hr |
| 23 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $164K | $78.66/hr |
| 24 | Marketing Managers | Management | $163K | $78.3/hr |
| 25 | Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | Legal | $162K | $78.08/hr |
| 26 | Lawyers | Legal | $161K | $77.31/hr |
| 27 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $160K | $76.77/hr |
| 28 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $156K | $75.06/hr |
| 29 | Sales Managers | Management | $155K | $74.65/hr |
| 30 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $153K | $73.74/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