Word Processors and Typists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, word processors and typists earn $51,780 at the median — $24.9 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $95K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $49,986 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 52.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $52K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About word processors and typists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level word processors and typists (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $52K.Top earners bring in $95K or more - a $59K spread from bottom to top.
Word Processors and Typists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $54K | +12% | 40 |
| Oregon | $53K | +11% | 40 |
| Kansas | $52K | +9% | 50 |
| Rhode Island | $51K | +7% | 160 |
| California | $51K | +7% | 9,780 |
| Massachusetts | $51K | +7% | 330 |
| Illinois | $50K | +5% | 460 |
| New Jersey | $50K | +5% | 3,370 |
| Minnesota | $50K | +4% | 210 |
| Delaware | $49K | +2% | 40 |
| Michigan | $49K | +1% | 510 |
| Arizona | $48K | +1% | 70 |
| North Carolina | $48K | +0% | 130 |
| Alabama | $48K | -0% | 80 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | -1% | 120 |
Track word processors and typists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do word processors and typists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $51,780 a year - that works out to about $24.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,740, and experienced word processors and typists can clear $95,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $52K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,423/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 52% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a word processors and typists salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median word processors and typists salary is worth about $49,986 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do word processors and typists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.