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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Forensic Science Technicians | Science | $125K | $60/hr |
| 62 | Radiation Therapists | Healthcare | $125K | $59.91/hr |
| 63 | Information Security Analysts | Technology | $124K | $59.7/hr |
| 64 | Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $124K | $59.6/hr |
| 65 | First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | Public Safety | $124K | $59.37/hr |
| 66 | Chemical Engineers | Engineering | $122K | $58.44/hr |
| 67 | Nurse Midwives | Healthcare | $121K | $58.09/hr |
| 68 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Management | $120K | $57.81/hr |
| 69 | Personal Financial Advisors | Business & Finance | $120K | $57.75/hr |
| 70 | Statisticians | Technology | $120K | $57.58/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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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