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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $132K | $63.44/hr |
| 52 | Mathematicians | Technology | $131K | $62.97/hr |
| 53 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $131K | $62.83/hr |
| 54 | Training and Development Managers | Management | $131K | $62.79/hr |
| 55 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Engineering | $129K | $62.21/hr |
| 56 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $127K | $61.19/hr |
| 57 | Materials Engineers | Engineering | $127K | $60.87/hr |
| 58 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $126K | N/A |
| 59 | Materials Scientists | Science | $126K | $60.5/hr |
| 60 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $125K | N/A |
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