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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $111K | $53.54/hr |
| 82 | Nuclear Technicians | Science | $110K | $53.07/hr |
| 83 | Construction Managers | Management | $109K | $52.48/hr |
| 84 | Physical Scientists, All Other | Science | $109K | $52.39/hr |
| 85 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $109K | $52.38/hr |
| 86 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $108K | $51.98/hr |
| 87 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $108K | $51.92/hr |
| 88 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $108K | $51.85/hr |
| 89 | Law Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $108K | N/A |
| 90 | Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | Engineering | $108K | $51.77/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