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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Transportation | $118K | $56.83/hr |
| 72 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Management | $118K | $56.66/hr |
| 73 | Therapists, All Other | Healthcare | $116K | $55.86/hr |
| 74 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $116K | $55.66/hr |
| 75 | Actuaries | Technology | $115K | $55.5/hr |
| 76 | Ship Engineers | Transportation | $115K | $55.44/hr |
| 77 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $113K | N/A |
| 78 | Tapers | Construction & Trades | $113K | $54.41/hr |
| 79 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Science | $112K | $53.98/hr |
| 80 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $112K | $53.81/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