Illinois and Chicago Salaries: Midwest's Largest Labor Market

Illinois is the Midwest's economic anchor, with the Chicago metro serving as a major financial, logistics, and professional services hub. BLS OEWS data shows Illinois wages generally above the national median for professional and skilled occupations — driven almost entirely by Chicago.

Chicago vs. Downstate Illinois

The statewide Illinois wage figures are heavily weighted toward Chicago. Downstate Illinois wages — in cities like Peoria, Springfield, and Rockford — look much more like Midwest averages. The metropolitan/nonmetropolitan split in WageDepth's location data makes this distinction clear.

Finance and Professional Services

Chicago is home to the CME Group, major commodity trading firms, and significant asset management operations. Financial analysts, traders, and financial managers in Chicago earn wages competitive with — though still below — New York levels.

Healthcare and Manufacturing

Illinois has strong healthcare systems (Northwestern, Rush, U of C Medicine) and a significant manufacturing base in the collar counties. Both sectors pay above national medians in the Chicago metro, particularly for skilled trades and clinical roles where union representation is strong.

Browse Illinois Wages

Explore all occupations and wages for Illinois and the Chicago metro area on WageDepth.