Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in Illinois, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 100 largest places in Illinois, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | 2,711,226 | $77,902 | $1,440 | 8.0% | 44.3% |
| 2 | Aurora | 179,898 | $93,633 | $1,596 | 5.8% | 38.5% |
| 3 | Naperville | 150,692 | $155,105 | $1,885 | 4.5% | 72.5% |
| 4 | Joliet | 150,445 | $92,201 | $1,276 | 5.5% | 25.5% |
| 5 | Rockford | 147,521 | $54,752 | $985 | 8.5% | 23.5% |
| 6 | Elgin | 114,934 | $90,282 | $1,361 | 6.1% | 27.0% |
| 7 | Springfield | 113,330 | $66,064 | $975 | 6.8% | 36.3% |
| 8 | Peoria | 112,169 | $59,410 | $1,005 | 7.5% | 37.6% |
| 9 | Champaign | 89,996 | $56,118 | $1,123 | 4.8% | 52.7% |
| 10 | Waukegan | 89,076 | $71,919 | $1,205 | 6.4% | 20.9% |
| 11 | Cicero | 82,797 | $70,842 | $1,154 | 5.0% | 10.8% |
| 12 | Bloomington | 78,907 | $77,384 | $1,050 | 2.8% | 48.8% |
| 13 | Schaumburg | 76,868 | $97,514 | $1,812 | 3.5% | 50.4% |
| 14 | Evanston | 76,340 | $96,434 | $1,762 | 6.2% | 69.5% |
| 15 | Arlington Heights | 76,005 | $116,723 | $1,760 | 3.5% | 60.4% |
| 16 | Bolingbrook | 74,096 | $108,400 | $1,749 | 5.7% | 39.6% |
| 17 | Decatur | 69,815 | $51,592 | $845 | 8.3% | 21.6% |
| 18 | Palatine | 66,293 | $97,819 | $1,549 | 4.1% | 51.1% |
| 19 | Skokie | 66,219 | $95,337 | $1,552 | 5.2% | 53.8% |
| 20 | Des Plaines | 59,156 | $97,875 | $1,606 | 4.1% | 38.9% |
| 21 | Orland Park | 57,916 | $98,910 | $1,440 | 4.8% | 45.4% |
| 22 | Oak Lawn | 56,861 | $83,911 | $1,335 | 5.4% | 31.6% |
| 23 | Berwyn | 55,595 | $78,408 | $1,215 | 6.9% | 24.2% |
| 24 | Mount Prospect | 55,472 | $101,720 | $1,502 | 3.8% | 48.5% |
| 25 | Tinley Park | 54,842 | $105,189 | $1,495 | 6.0% | 37.0% |
| 26 | Normal | 53,569 | $64,785 | $965 | 3.9% | 52.9% |
| 27 | Wheaton | 53,557 | $120,008 | $1,799 | 3.7% | 64.5% |
| 28 | Oak Park | 53,292 | $110,820 | $1,593 | 5.6% | 72.5% |
| 29 | Hoffman Estates | 51,175 | $106,806 | $1,734 | 4.2% | 48.5% |
| 30 | Downers Grove | 50,054 | $115,114 | $1,656 | 4.0% | 58.2% |
| 31 | Glenview | 47,752 | $143,056 | $2,148 | 3.4% | 68.3% |
| 32 | Plainfield | 46,708 | $144,000 | $2,119 | 3.8% | 56.0% |
| 33 | Elmhurst | 45,671 | $149,644 | $1,975 | 4.3% | 64.2% |
| 34 | Lombard | 43,619 | $100,362 | $1,948 | 4.4% | 49.9% |
| 35 | Buffalo Grove | 42,891 | $129,395 | $2,037 | 2.7% | 68.7% |
| 36 | Moline | 42,197 | $67,701 | $900 | 6.8% | 28.8% |
| 37 | Belleville | 41,370 | $63,535 | $1,019 | 6.1% | 28.0% |
| 38 | Romeoville | 41,152 | $106,325 | $1,886 | 5.0% | 28.3% |
| 39 | Crystal Lake | 40,579 | $108,418 | $1,468 | 4.2% | 42.0% |
| 40 | Bartlett | 40,501 | $133,240 | $1,883 | 2.6% | 49.5% |
| 41 | DeKalb | 40,443 | $46,481 | $1,029 | 10.2% | 33.7% |
| 42 | Carol Stream | 39,460 | $102,309 | $1,529 | 3.9% | 42.8% |
| 43 | Urbana | 39,341 | $45,346 | $972 | 4.7% | 56.8% |
| 44 | Quincy | 39,109 | $56,480 | $837 | 4.7% | 27.8% |
| 45 | Streamwood | 39,001 | $101,218 | $1,809 | 3.4% | 27.8% |
| 46 | Park Ridge | 38,667 | $142,986 | $1,537 | 4.2% | 66.1% |
| 47 | Wheeling | 38,433 | $85,205 | $1,663 | 4.8% | 40.8% |
| 48 | Carpentersville | 37,346 | $86,917 | $1,414 | 5.9% | 24.3% |
| 49 | Hanover Park | 36,732 | $91,763 | $1,594 | 5.0% | 28.9% |
| 50 | Oswego | 36,375 | $123,792 | $1,860 | 2.6% | 44.3% |
| 51 | Rock Island | 36,151 | $59,041 | $842 | 6.3% | 24.5% |
| 52 | Addison | 35,489 | $90,431 | $1,245 | 4.7% | 23.7% |
| 53 | Calumet City | 35,100 | $55,369 | $1,177 | 10.6% | 21.4% |
| 54 | Northbrook | 34,585 | $157,782 | $2,463 | 3.2% | 72.6% |
| 55 | Woodridge | 33,941 | $101,000 | $1,494 | 4.2% | 46.5% |
| 56 | St. Charles | 32,854 | $114,300 | $1,819 | 4.1% | 52.0% |
| 57 | Glendale Heights | 32,808 | $86,545 | $1,590 | 6.0% | 29.9% |
| 58 | O'Fallon | 32,262 | $105,982 | $1,332 | 3.7% | 52.4% |
| 59 | Elk Grove Village | 31,987 | $94,175 | $1,618 | 4.1% | 41.2% |
| 60 | Mundelein | 31,915 | $108,340 | $1,566 | 2.6% | 46.0% |
| 61 | Pekin | 31,781 | $60,790 | $819 | 6.2% | 17.9% |
| 62 | North Chicago | 30,643 | $60,172 | $1,426 | 9.9% | 20.8% |
| 63 | Gurnee | 30,510 | $119,628 | $1,655 | 4.8% | 56.7% |
| 64 | Highland Park | 30,398 | $168,094 | $1,925 | 3.2% | 76.9% |
| 65 | Algonquin | 30,067 | $134,525 | $1,723 | 4.1% | 43.6% |
| 66 | Niles | 30,064 | $75,274 | $1,336 | 6.7% | 39.3% |
| 67 | Galesburg | 29,481 | $48,297 | $801 | 5.0% | 19.7% |
| 68 | Lake in the Hills | 28,800 | $117,151 | $1,689 | 5.9% | 35.8% |
| 69 | Burbank | 28,739 | $80,116 | $1,265 | 7.1% | 15.6% |
| 70 | Danville | 28,595 | $45,957 | $846 | 8.3% | 19.0% |
| 71 | Glen Ellyn | 28,390 | $140,938 | $1,433 | 5.3% | 68.2% |
| 72 | Lansing | 28,284 | $75,569 | $1,268 | 9.8% | 28.2% |
| 73 | McHenry | 28,074 | $86,315 | $1,553 | 3.6% | 25.7% |
| 74 | New Lenox | 28,006 | $140,865 | $1,431 | 2.9% | 47.6% |
| 75 | Huntley | 28,005 | $88,536 | $1,622 | 3.6% | 42.5% |
| 76 | Wilmette | 27,503 | $190,662 | $1,978 | 4.2% | 83.6% |
| 77 | Batavia | 27,151 | $120,056 | $1,347 | 2.5% | 56.5% |
| 78 | Round Lake Beach | 27,079 | $86,059 | $1,543 | 7.6% | 16.2% |
| 79 | Vernon Hills | 26,876 | $121,943 | $1,903 | 3.2% | 67.8% |
| 80 | Oak Forest | 26,805 | $91,990 | $1,328 | 5.4% | 31.2% |
| 81 | Chicago Heights | 26,736 | $54,798 | $1,038 | 14.6% | 20.9% |
| 82 | Granite City | 26,549 | $59,205 | $834 | 5.7% | 15.6% |
| 83 | Edwardsville | 26,474 | $86,721 | $1,306 | 4.6% | 52.6% |
| 84 | Lockport | 26,409 | $111,981 | $1,525 | 4.7% | 44.5% |
| 85 | Woodstock | 26,147 | $82,758 | $1,212 | 3.3% | 30.6% |
| 86 | West Chicago | 25,395 | $99,927 | $1,469 | 9.5% | 32.2% |
| 87 | Alton | 25,279 | $54,568 | $1,015 | 5.3% | 21.5% |
| 88 | Belvidere | 24,752 | $64,528 | $991 | 7.0% | 12.8% |
| 89 | Morton Grove | 24,619 | $111,116 | $2,164 | 4.4% | 55.2% |
| 90 | Zion | 24,600 | $63,104 | $1,186 | 6.7% | 15.1% |
| 91 | Melrose Park | 24,549 | $66,189 | $1,176 | 5.7% | 15.0% |
| 92 | Homer Glen | 24,529 | $136,678 | $1,861 | 4.6% | 40.2% |
| 93 | South Elgin | 24,217 | $127,203 | $1,640 | 3.1% | 37.8% |
| 94 | Collinsville | 24,031 | $67,612 | $1,038 | 4.7% | 31.0% |
| 95 | Rolling Meadows | 24,027 | $98,514 | $1,607 | 3.9% | 43.7% |
| 96 | Kankakee | 23,996 | $47,514 | $1,023 | 7.6% | 13.0% |
| 97 | Elmwood Park | 23,868 | $91,955 | $1,334 | 5.9% | 32.6% |
| 98 | Westmont | 23,724 | $88,090 | $1,533 | 4.0% | 50.1% |
| 99 | Yorkville | 23,617 | $108,513 | $1,662 | 3.6% | 37.9% |
| 100 | Freeport | 23,505 | $51,723 | $793 | 4.5% | 19.1% |
Illinois is in the Midwest region (East North Central division), with 12,694,798 residents, a median age of 39.0 and a median household income of $83,390. The unemployment rate was 4.6% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 100.0 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $83,390 | 18 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 41 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 3.3% | 47 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 100.0 | 33 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.9% | 13 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 14.8% | 13 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 1,060 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities100 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the East North Central division: Indiana · Michigan · Ohio · Wisconsin.
Illinois is in the Midwest region (East North Central division) and has 12,694,798 residents (the 6th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 39.0. Its economy produced about $1,278,987 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 5th among states and DC, equal to $100,749 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 4.6% in 2026M09, which is 41st lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 3.3% of employment, 47th highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $51,960 a year ($24.98 an hour), about the same as the national median ($51,960 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in Illinois are Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (195,390 jobs, median $40,550); General and Operations Managers (171,300 jobs, median $103,570); Cashiers (139,630 jobs, median $34,490); Registered Nurses (138,910 jobs, median $95,990); Home Health and Personal Care Aides (134,100 jobs, median $38,060). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Chief Executives (median $331,920); Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (median $293,490); Computer and Information Systems Managers (median $171,730). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in production (1.2 times the national share of workers) and management (1.2 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in Illinois: the regional price parity is 100.0 against 100 for the whole country (33rd lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $1,274 a month and the median household income $83,390, so a year of rent equals 18.3% of income; the median home value is $263,300. The state minimum wage is $15.00 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Flat 4.95%. It is not a right-to-work state, so union contracts can require fees from covered workers. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
14.8% of residents were born abroad and 37.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 65.8% drive alone, 5.8% use public transit and 15.9% work from home; 19.7% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 161,885 | 12.7% |
| Finance and insurance | 144,965 | 11.3% |
| Manufacturing | 144,850 | 11.3% |
| Government and government enterprises | 112,432 | 8.8% |
| Wholesale trade | 110,564 | 8.6% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 106,608 | 8.3% |
| Health care and social assistance | 94,051 | 7.4% |
| Retail trade | 67,260 | 5.3% |
| Information | 53,992 | 4.2% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 50,320 | 3.9% |
| Construction | 43,534 | 3.4% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 40,291 | 3.2% |
| Accommodation and food services | 37,887 | 3.0% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 26,913 | 2.1% |
| Utilities | 23,431 | 1.8% |
| Educational services | 17,079 | 1.3% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 16,878 | 1.3% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 14,466 | 1.1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 9,709 | 0.8% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 1,872 | 0.1% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 7,300 | +4.3% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 268,800 | +6.5% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 570,400 | +0.7% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 1,210,400 | -0.2% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 86,100 | -2.8% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 379,000 | -3.5% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 920,600 | +0.3% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 1,029,700 | +0.4% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 618,900 | +1.1% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 245,600 | -0.0% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 856,700 | -0.1% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 6,193,500 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 679,940 | 111.5 | 0.98 | $47,740 | $34,300 | $76,750 | +1% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 494,610 | 81.1 | 0.92 | $34,260 | $31,200 | $46,890 | -2% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 634,040 | 104.0 | 1.18 | $45,480 | $32,330 | $76,780 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 518,110 | 85.0 | 0.98 | $38,480 | $31,200 | $103,110 | -0% |
| Management | 534,130 | 87.6 | 1.22 | $128,080 | $61,160 | $240,600 | +1% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 405,170 | 66.4 | 0.98 | $82,700 | $49,390 | $145,550 | +0% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 378,880 | 62.1 | 0.98 | $84,940 | $46,580 | $154,820 | -2% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 384,470 | 63.0 | 1.08 | $60,400 | $34,260 | $105,250 | -0% |
| Production | 412,330 | 67.6 | 1.23 | $47,030 | $34,990 | $76,870 | +0% |
| Healthcare Support | 269,440 | 44.2 | 0.87 | $38,970 | $35,280 | $53,970 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 187,190 | 30.7 | 0.74 | $80,570 | $43,140 | $121,210 | +35% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 210,710 | 34.6 | 0.88 | $60,660 | $37,150 | $99,130 | +2% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 182,560 | 29.9 | 0.88 | $103,200 | $56,280 | $169,450 | -6% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 167,910 | 27.5 | 0.94 | $38,540 | $31,640 | $56,290 | +2% |
| Protective Service | 153,150 | 25.1 | 1.03 | $56,670 | $34,870 | $108,690 | +13% |
| Personal Care and Service | 129,910 | 21.3 | 1.02 | $36,160 | $31,200 | $59,950 | -1% |
| Community and Social Service | 104,240 | 17.1 | 1.00 | $57,880 | $38,490 | $98,960 | -1% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 80,480 | 13.2 | 0.78 | $98,740 | $60,460 | $154,850 | -1% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 64,970 | 10.7 | 0.81 | $63,720 | $33,350 | $124,850 | +2% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 46,560 | 7.6 | 0.81 | $82,870 | $48,190 | $155,730 | +0% |
| Legal | 52,860 | 8.7 | 1.03 | $105,090 | $50,960 | $291,030 | +3% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 6,480 | 1.1 | 0.38 | $44,120 | $32,420 | $63,630 | +20% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.6% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 12.8% |
| Manufacturing | 11.5% |
| Retail trade | 10.3% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 8.2% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 7.4% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 7.0% |
| Construction | 5.4% |
| Other services | 4.6% |
| Public administration | 3.8% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.6% |
| Information | 1.7% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 1.1% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 195,390 | 1.69 | $40,550 | $31,780 | $55,840 | +1% |
| General and Operations Managers | 171,300 | 1.25 | $103,570 | $53,240 | $269,320 | -2% |
| Cashiers | 139,630 | 1.15 | $34,490 | $31,200 | $38,480 | +5% |
| Registered Nurses | 138,910 | 1.05 | $95,990 | $69,170 | $118,190 | -2% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 134,100 | 0.79 | $38,060 | $34,200 | $42,500 | +6% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 127,590 | 0.84 | $33,910 | $31,200 | $37,330 | +9% |
| Retail Salespersons | 126,610 | 0.83 | $35,370 | $31,200 | $48,010 | -0% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 109,240 | 0.98 | $37,680 | $31,460 | $49,040 | +1% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 100,970 | 0.99 | $46,130 | $33,590 | $71,400 | +3% |
| Office Clerks, General | 95,980 | 0.99 | $45,730 | $31,560 | $68,490 | +2% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 93,760 | 1.08 | $37,810 | $31,560 | $50,000 | +3% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 84,200 | 1.04 | $60,320 | $39,710 | $86,300 | +3% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 76,460 | 1.39 | $44,140 | $33,410 | $61,770 | -1% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 74,280 | 1.11 | $48,310 | $31,930 | $76,790 | +2% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 72,900 | 0.82 | $31,200 | $31,200 | $49,470 | -11% |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | 69,910 | 1.42 | $66,900 | $38,530 | $154,070 | -4% |
| Nursing Assistants | 68,640 | 1.21 | $45,960 | $37,590 | $54,050 | +9% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 66,600 | 1.11 | $56,720 | $36,120 | $80,740 | +14% |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 64,210 | 1.15 | $36,990 | $31,200 | $48,100 | +1% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 61,520 | 1.13 | $75,320 | $47,040 | $105,250 | +18% |
| Software Developers | 56,310 | 0.85 | $132,110 | $80,980 | $194,740 | -3% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 54,930 | 0.97 | $80,230 | $54,510 | $131,990 | -4% |
| Security Guards | 53,830 | 1.07 | $39,490 | $35,520 | $63,950 | +4% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 53,540 | 0.97 | $37,580 | $31,200 | $46,460 | +1% |
| Financial Managers | 52,720 | 1.60 | $165,880 | $100,070 | $313,110 | -0% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | 4,620 | 0.58 | $331,920 | $133,170 | $589,720 | +55% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 6,460 | 1.59 | $293,490 | $166,620 | $421,610 | +26% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 1,140 | 0.56 | $286,830 | $103,490 | $335,610 | +21% |
| Family Medicine Physicians | 1,960 | 0.46 | $245,120 | $95,260 | $321,980 | +0% |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | 1,220 | 0.94 | ≥ $239,200 | ≥ $239,200 | ≥ $239,200 | n/a |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | 1,290 | 1.55 | $208,000 | $208,000 | $413,520 | -29% |
| Pediatricians, General | 1,180 | 0.76 | $196,760 | $106,520 | $376,850 | -6% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 31,680 | 1.20 | $171,730 | $105,350 | $273,500 | -2% |
| Financial Managers | 52,720 | 1.60 | $165,880 | $100,070 | $313,110 | -0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 8,900 | 1.03 | $163,610 | $112,090 | $231,880 | -4% |
| Marketing Managers | 21,140 | 1.36 | $162,860 | $95,990 | $276,340 | -2% |
| Lawyers | 33,590 | 1.14 | $160,800 | $82,160 | $330,200 | +1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 2,810 | 0.66 | $159,670 | $85,210 | $281,660 | -5% |
| Dentists, General | 6,940 | 1.42 | $156,110 | $123,920 | $291,530 | -9% |
| Sales Managers | 32,240 | 1.29 | $155,280 | $78,760 | $282,890 | +5% |
| Purchasing Managers | 4,160 | 1.26 | $153,370 | $100,990 | $225,450 | +4% |
| Human Resources Managers | 13,520 | 1.56 | $151,370 | $90,820 | $267,520 | +1% |
| Optometrists | 1,540 | 0.92 | $145,620 | $93,350 | $190,620 | +7% |
| Database Architects | 1,590 | 0.60 | $142,500 | $97,820 | $193,950 | +2% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 1,130 | 0.43 | $140,680 | $63,940 | $349,420 | -45% |
| Managers, All Other | 31,680 | 1.30 | $140,240 | $82,230 | $235,260 | -1% |
| Pharmacists | 12,070 | 0.96 | $139,080 | $98,970 | $169,430 | -1% |
| Physicists | 1,590 | 1.99 | $137,140 | $81,830 | $221,380 | -20% |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,040 | 0.66 | $135,430 | $64,070 | $222,540 | +24% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 4,900 | 0.81 | $135,080 | $81,750 | $162,640 | +27% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 1,320 | 9.05 | $81,090 | $50,330 | $147,070 | -0% |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 10,240 | 2.75 | $53,560 | $39,460 | $73,720 | +9% |
| Surgical Assistants | 2,300 | 2.63 | $80,210 | $64,220 | $83,740 | +20% |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,700 | 2.62 | $63,470 | $31,200 | $106,340 | -13% |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1,210 | 2.48 | $76,290 | $48,410 | $99,430 | +11% |
| Tool and Die Makers | 5,220 | 2.34 | $61,170 | $39,490 | $82,520 | -4% |
| School Bus Monitors | 6,930 | 2.25 | $33,840 | $31,200 | $38,390 | -4% |
| Rail Car Repairers | 1,850 | 2.21 | $84,570 | $49,820 | $96,170 | +25% |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | 3,260 | 2.19 | $77,310 | $45,450 | $121,720 | -3% |
| Actuaries | 2,280 | 2.18 | $115,430 | $77,790 | $202,160 | -11% |
| Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | 2,460 | 2.01 | $42,670 | $32,480 | $51,320 | +3% |
| Physicists | 1,590 | 1.99 | $137,140 | $81,830 | $221,380 | -20% |
| Microbiologists | 1,470 | 1.98 | $92,050 | $59,780 | $127,300 | +5% |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | 29,400 | 1.98 | $43,150 | $34,880 | $60,050 | -0% |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | 6,620 | 1.97 | $34,680 | $31,200 | $44,520 | -6% |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 5,810 | 1.95 | $83,750 | $36,580 | $168,730 | -17% |
| Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers | 2,010 | 1.94 | $45,560 | $31,200 | $58,000 | -4% |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other | 2,560 | 1.92 | $64,850 | $47,660 | $100,320 | -15% |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | 12,340 | 1.92 | $36,040 | $31,850 | $96,230 | -16% |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,260 | 1.92 | $54,930 | $35,990 | $62,830 | +9% |
| Fundraising Managers | 2,860 | 1.88 | $106,290 | $67,700 | $173,390 | -15% |
| Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 2,380 | 1.87 | $38,620 | $34,540 | $51,260 | -12% |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 10,680 | 1.81 | $45,500 | $36,090 | $61,950 | +3% |
| Flight Attendants | 9,350 | 1.81 | $62,120 | $40,040 | $98,810 | -2% |
| Food Batchmakers | 12,320 | 1.80 | $48,130 | $34,680 | $61,750 | +14% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 1,060 federal job postings open now in Illinois (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Forest Service | 141 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 133 |
| Veterans Health Administration | 132 |
| Army National Guard Units | 73 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 51 |
| Air National Guard Units | 38 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 37 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 29 |
| Farm Service Agency | 21 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 18 |
| Commander, Navy Installations Command | 16 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 15 |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | 15 |
| Air Force Civilian Career Training | 14 |
| Offices, Boards and Divisions | 13 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Wildland Fire Management | 72 |
| Attorney | 61 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 48 |
| Information Technology Management | 32 |
| Forestry Technician | 31 |
| Management And Program Analysis | 25 |
| Medical Officer | 23 |
| General Business And Industry | 20 |
| Program Management | 19 |
| Criminal Investigation | 19 |
| Miscellaneous Transportation/Mobile Equipment Maintenance | 19 |
| Nurse | 19 |
| Aviation Safety | 19 |
| General Engineering | 18 |
| Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant | 17 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $74,678 (799 postings).
The median wage in Illinois is $51,960 a year ($24.98 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (+2%). The 10th percentile earns $32,900 and the 90th $127,770.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 679,940 | 111.5 | 0.98 | $47,740 | $34,300 | $76,750 | +1% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 494,610 | 81.1 | 0.92 | $34,260 | $31,200 | $46,890 | -2% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 634,040 | 104.0 | 1.18 | $45,480 | $32,330 | $76,780 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 518,110 | 85.0 | 0.98 | $38,480 | $31,200 | $103,110 | -0% |
| Management | 534,130 | 87.6 | 1.22 | $128,080 | $61,160 | $240,600 | +1% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 405,170 | 66.4 | 0.98 | $82,700 | $49,390 | $145,550 | +0% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 378,880 | 62.1 | 0.98 | $84,940 | $46,580 | $154,820 | -2% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 384,470 | 63.0 | 1.08 | $60,400 | $34,260 | $105,250 | -0% |
| Production | 412,330 | 67.6 | 1.23 | $47,030 | $34,990 | $76,870 | +0% |
| Healthcare Support | 269,440 | 44.2 | 0.87 | $38,970 | $35,280 | $53,970 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 187,190 | 30.7 | 0.74 | $80,570 | $43,140 | $121,210 | +35% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 210,710 | 34.6 | 0.88 | $60,660 | $37,150 | $99,130 | +2% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 182,560 | 29.9 | 0.88 | $103,200 | $56,280 | $169,450 | -6% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 167,910 | 27.5 | 0.94 | $38,540 | $31,640 | $56,290 | +2% |
| Protective Service | 153,150 | 25.1 | 1.03 | $56,670 | $34,870 | $108,690 | +13% |
| Personal Care and Service | 129,910 | 21.3 | 1.02 | $36,160 | $31,200 | $59,950 | -1% |
| Community and Social Service | 104,240 | 17.1 | 1.00 | $57,880 | $38,490 | $98,960 | -1% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 80,480 | 13.2 | 0.78 | $98,740 | $60,460 | $154,850 | -1% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 64,970 | 10.7 | 0.81 | $63,720 | $33,350 | $124,850 | +2% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 46,560 | 7.6 | 0.81 | $82,870 | $48,190 | $155,730 | +0% |
| Legal | 52,860 | 8.7 | 1.03 | $105,090 | $50,960 | $291,030 | +3% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 6,480 | 1.1 | 0.38 | $44,120 | $32,420 | $63,630 | +20% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In Illinois ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $15.00 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Flat 4.95% |
| Right-to-work state | No |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 100.0 |
| Median gross rent per month | $1,274 |
| Median home value | $263,300 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 67.1% |
| Poverty rate | 11.8% |
| Drive alone to work | 65.8% |
| Public transit to work | 5.8% |
| Work from home | 15.9% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 19.7% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
14.8% of residents of Illinois were born abroad (1,872,483 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 644,400 |
| India | 168,426 |
| Poland | 118,972 |
| Philippines | 95,003 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 74,170 |
| Korea | 40,144 |
| Ukraine | 37,700 |
| Pakistan | 31,765 |
| Nigeria | 24,429 |
| Guatemala | 23,729 |
| Colombia | 22,723 |
| Venezuela | 20,325 |
| Vietnam | 19,979 |
| Canada | 19,809 |
| Ecuador | 19,803 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$15.00 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Flat 4.95% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
4.6% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$83,390 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
1,060 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.