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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $135K | N/A |
| 42 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Public Safety | $135K | $64.94/hr |
| 43 | Nuclear Engineers | Engineering | $135K | $64.67/hr |
| 44 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | Construction & Trades | $134K | $64.27/hr |
| 45 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $134K | $64.22/hr |
| 46 | Computer Hardware Engineers | Engineering | $133K | $64.05/hr |
| 47 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $133K | $63.84/hr |
| 48 | Physicians, All Other | Healthcare | $133K | $63.72/hr |
| 49 | Software Developers | Technology | $132K | $63.52/hr |
| 50 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $132K | $63.46/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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See what your salary is worth in Illinois
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