Working and Living in Illinois

Illinois is a great place to live and work with arts, history, and a balanced mix of city life and the great outdoors. The cost of living index in Illinois is lower than the national index of 100, while median household income is $68,430 as of 2020. Many residents in Illinois earn more than this amount.

People who live and work in Illinois will generally find housing prices below the national average. This means that you can expect to spend over $57,000 less than if you lived in other states with higher living costs. Outside of major metropolitan areas, however, Illinois is home to charming small towns.

Many students in Illinois study at some of the state’s best colleges. Even after graduating, job opportunities are plentiful in industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance.

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Illinois?

In Illinois, the highest-paying careers include medicine, law, and technology. Many of these jobs require applicants to have undergraduate degrees or higher and years of experience. The careers listed below typically pay over $200,000 a year. Pursuing higher education may be worth it if you want to secure a job in Illinois.

1. Obstetrics and Gynecologists

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $364,800
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: -2%

Obstetrics and Gynecologists are physicians who focus on childbirth, fertility, and other reproductive health issues. They typically work with other medical professionals to diagnose and treat illnesses.

2.  Nurse Anesthetists

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $250,280
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 13%

A CRNA administers anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. CRNAs must have a nursing degree and one year of experience as an RN in a critical care setting. To become a CRNA,RNs need only additional years of college.

3. Chief Executive Officers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $244,390
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: -6%

CEOs typically have a degree in an area related to their work, and many hold an MBA. The decisions made by a CEO can impact the future of the company, depending on the company and its structure. All other positions are supervised by the CEO, including other high-level positions such as presidents.

4. Judges, and Magistrate Judges, Magistrates

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $210,120
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 3%

Most judges and magistrates begin their careers as attorneys. After gaining experience as an attorney, lawyers may seek appointment or election to the bench and serve as judges in states with a judiciary. Magistrates are typically not required to complete continuing education, but Illinois is the second highest-paying state for judges.

5. Airline Pilots

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $193,820
2020-2030 Job Outlook: 14%

After that, you’ll need at least 1,500 hours of flying experience. Then, you can take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot License Test. Airline pilots are responsible for not only navigating and flying the plane, but also ensuring the safety of their passengers. They adjust flight patterns for changing weather forecasts and other unforeseen events to ensure a safe flight for everyone on board.: After completing an FAA-approved program and logging at least 1,500 hours in aerial transportation , aspiring airline pilots may take the Federal Aviation Administration’s Commercial Pilot License Test .

Commercial pilot license holders are responsible not only for navigation and flying while operating an aircraft carrier or commercial jetliner but also ensuring passenger safety during flights using updated weather information as well as unexpected event adjustments to keep everyone safe both on board aircraft carriers or jets as well as en route

6. Computer and Information Systems Managers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $152,820
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 11%

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for analyzing their company’s computer-related needs and goals, as well as developing plans for hardware and software installations, security maintenance, and cost-benefit analysis reports. In order to be successful in this role, you need to have a deep knowledge of computers and years of experience working with them.

7. Lawyers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $148,280
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 9%

After completing law school, you must pass the bar exam to practice law. There are several ways to become a lawyer: by completing a bachelor’s degree program followed by three years in law school, by passing the bar exam after completion of undergraduate studies, or through professional licensing.

8. Air Traffic Controllers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $145,470
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 4%

To become an air traffic controller, you must be at or under 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have three years of progressive employment. You must also have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and pass the FAA air traffic employment test along with medical exams and background checks. Illinois is the third highest-paying state for this profession, with salaries reported in Chicago.”

9. Financial Managers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $143,300
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 17%

Financial managers need to have a strong grasp of numbers. They use their knowledge of tax laws and industry specifics to help clients make the most money. Financial managers also oversee budgets and manage risk in order to protect clients’ investments. Job growth for financial managers is projected to be 17% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that there will be plenty of opportunities for those who are interested in this career path.

10. Marketing Managers

2021 Illinois Average Annual Salary: $139,010
2020-2030 U.S. Job Outlook: 10%

Many jobs in marketing and advertising require a bachelor’s degree. For example, marketing managers may earn their degrees in business or communications. Illinois ranks third in the U.S. for the highest concentration of marketing managers, with most of them employed in the Chicago area. Therefore, if you are interested in this career field, it is important to have a degree from an accredited institution such as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

11. Surgeons / Doctors

Salary Range: from 193,000 USD to 650,000 USD

surgeons top the list of the highest paying careers

There is no doubt that surgeons hold a prestigious position in the workforce. Their job requires extensive knowledge and a long learning path, which leads to high paychecks. The necessary ingredients for a high-paying career are definitely present in this field.

12. Bank Managers

Salary Range: from 124,000 USD to 416,000 USD

Managing a bank is an extremely critical task and worthy of a large salary. Banks are responsible for hundreds of millions in funds and investments, so managing these assets can be very risky.

• high risk
• high responsibility job
• huge impact

13. Chief Financial Officers

Salary Range: from 108,000 USD to 364,000 USD

Any job that deals with financial matters, such as a chief financial officer (CFO), is likely to be lucrative. CFOs are responsible for managing budgets, spending, costs, and revenue which directly affects the operations of an organization. This makes them highly paid positions.

• • • • high risk
      • extensive experience
      • high responsibility job

14. Orthodontists

Salary Range: from 104,000 USD to 351,000 USD

Orthodontists are one of the best-paid jobs in the country, due to their high demand for services and the high costs of orthodontic care.

• • high cost industry
  • high level knowledge
  • high perceived value
  • revenue generator

15. College Professors

Salary Range: from 92,900 USD to 312,000 USD

Professors are highly respected professionals who enjoy high incomes and prestige. They often have a difficult time entering the profession, but the rewards are worth it.

• high level knowledge
• high perceived value
• revenue generator

16. Marketing Directors

Salary Range: from 69,600 USD to 234,000 USD

Marketing directors are responsible for increasing revenue within their organizations. They often receive a good salary for this role, and their work is essential to the success of a company.

• • • revenue generator