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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Management | $152K | $72.95/hr |
| 32 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $151K | $72.78/hr |
| 33 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $146K | $70.01/hr |
| 34 | Database Architects | Technology | $143K | $68.51/hr |
| 35 | Sociologists | Science | $141K | $67.68/hr |
| 36 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $141K | $67.64/hr |
| 37 | Managers, All Other | Management | $140K | $67.42/hr |
| 38 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $139K | $66.86/hr |
| 39 | Physicists | Science | $137K | $65.93/hr |
| 40 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Technology | $137K | $65.64/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
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
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