Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
65 Highest Paying Jobs in Chicago, IL (2026)
The highest-paying job in Chicago, IL, Illinois is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $225,080 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 65 tracked occupations the average median is $113,051, with 42 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (national average = 100), so a $113,051 nominal salary equals $105,360 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 65 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Chicago, IL, IL, from BLS OEWS data. Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index runs 107.3 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Chicago, IL, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Chicago, IL
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $225,080 · 10th–90th $94,990–$320,380 · 1,430 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Chicago, IL earn $225,080 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $320,380. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $209,767 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $208,000 · 10th–90th $208,000–$369,800 · 1,120 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Chicago, IL earn $208,000 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $369,800. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $193,849 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $188,340 · 10th–90th $106,520–$379,260 · 860 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Chicago, IL earn $188,340 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $379,260. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $175,527 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $173,760 · 10th–90th $112,980–$280,060 · 24,950 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Chicago, IL earn $173,760 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $280,060. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $161,938 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $168,810 · 10th–90th $103,490–$321,200 · 41,590 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Chicago, IL earn $168,810 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $321,200. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $157,325 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $165,660 · 10th–90th $87,070–$331,140 · 28,320 jobs in metro
Lawyers in Chicago, IL earn $165,660 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $331,140. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $154,390 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $165,340 · 10th–90th $98,400–$277,220 · 17,400 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Chicago, IL earn $165,340 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $277,220. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $154,091 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $158,690 · 10th–90th $80,060–$288,430 · 25,390 jobs in metro
Sales Managers in Chicago, IL earn $158,690 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $288,430. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $147,894 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $156,770 · 10th–90th $93,230–$270,150 · 10,810 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Chicago, IL earn $156,770 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $270,150. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $146,104 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $156,100 · 10th–90th $123,920–$290,850 · 5,910 jobs in metro
Dentists in Chicago, IL earn $156,100 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $290,850. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $145,480 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Full Ranking (65 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $225,080 | $94,990–$320,380 | $209,767 | 1,430 |
| 2 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $208,000 | $208,000–$369,800 | $193,849 | 1,120 |
| 3 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $188,340 | $106,520–$379,260 | $175,527 | 860 |
| 4 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $173,760 | $112,980–$280,060 | $161,938 | 24,950 |
| 5 | Financial Manager | Finance | $168,810 | $103,490–$321,200 | $157,325 | 41,590 |
| 6 | Lawyer | Legal | $165,660 | $87,070–$331,140 | $154,390 | 28,320 |
| 7 | Marketing Manager | Management | $165,340 | $98,400–$277,220 | $154,091 | 17,400 |
| 8 | Sales Manager | Management | $158,690 | $80,060–$288,430 | $147,894 | 25,390 |
| 9 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $156,770 | $93,230–$270,150 | $146,104 | 10,810 |
| 10 | Dentist | Healthcare | $156,100 | $123,920–$290,850 | $145,480 | 5,910 |
| 11 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $148,730 | $80,770–$289,310 | $138,611 | 1,530 |
| 12 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $145,630 | $93,350–$186,250 | $135,722 | 1,160 |
| 13 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $143,800 | $95,930–$205,340 | $134,017 | 5,400 |
| 14 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $140,880 | $84,950–$171,710 | $131,295 | 8,930 |
| 15 | Software Quality Assurance Analyst | Technology | $135,630 | $49,190–$243,360 | $126,403 | 490 |
| 16 | Software Developer | Technology | $134,380 | $83,820–$203,410 | $125,238 | 40,370 |
| 17 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $131,740 | $106,260–$164,750 | $122,777 | 6,530 |
| 18 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $127,940 | $105,160–$164,200 | $119,236 | 3,050 |
| 19 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $125,310 | $79,460–$174,450 | $116,785 | 3,480 |
| 20 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $123,090 | $77,120–$226,080 | $114,716 | 16,680 |
| 21 | Statistician | Technology | $122,180 | $85,800–$175,270 | $113,868 | 380 |
| 22 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $121,910 | $61,860–$172,260 | $113,616 | 1,570 |
| 23 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $113,520 | $76,660–$165,890 | $105,797 | 4,290 |
| 24 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $113,210 | $51,050–$322,440 | $105,508 | 8,370 |
| 25 | Database Architect | Technology | $109,680 | $60,150–$164,050 | $102,218 | 1,870 |
| 26 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $109,390 | $58,000–$298,090 | $101,948 | 122,930 |
| 27 | Data Scientist | Technology | $107,640 | $70,740–$168,880 | $100,317 | 7,940 |
| 28 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $105,720 | $85,220–$142,320 | $98,527 | 7,880 |
| 29 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $105,580 | $67,010–$152,900 | $98,397 | 5,010 |
| 30 | Management Analyst | Management | $105,090 | $60,760–$177,770 | $97,940 | 37,510 |
| 31 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $103,490 | $61,860–$151,490 | $96,449 | 14,660 |
| 32 | Plumber | Trades | $103,380 | $53,960–$127,200 | $96,347 | 12,750 |
| 33 | Network Architect | Technology | $103,170 | $68,990–$162,290 | $96,151 | 6,950 |
| 34 | Electrician | Trades | $102,350 | $49,890–$124,070 | $95,387 | 17,720 |
| 35 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $102,070 | $66,900–$157,720 | $95,126 | 6,900 |
| 36 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $101,760 | $74,420–$155,480 | $94,837 | 12,750 |
| 37 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $101,750 | $67,480–$167,300 | $94,828 | 17,150 |
| 38 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $101,660 | $57,690–$170,090 | $94,744 | 7,800 |
| 39 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $100,930 | $80,250–$129,830 | $94,063 | 230 |
| 40 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $100,490 | $77,410–$119,260 | $93,653 | 100,240 |
| 41 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $100,260 | $74,280–$118,410 | $93,439 | 6,470 |
| 42 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $100,160 | $74,130–$159,940 | $93,346 | 9,760 |
| 43 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $99,860 | $73,900–$136,160 | $93,066 | 5,960 |
| 44 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $99,750 | $62,830–$152,940 | $92,964 | 650 |
| 45 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $98,970 | $60,380–$140,600 | $92,237 | 32,790 |
| 46 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $98,490 | $62,470–$124,400 | $91,789 | 7,150 |
| 47 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $98,470 | $63,330–$172,680 | $91,771 | 3,160 |
| 48 | Web Designer | Technology | $96,870 | $72,790–$134,330 | $90,280 | 2,790 |
| 49 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $93,670 | $35,030–$215,500 | $87,297 | 2,450 |
| 50 | Web Developer | Technology | $87,920 | $59,450–$162,050 | $81,938 | 1,470 |
| 51 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $86,500 | $62,470–$148,600 | $80,615 | 3,680 |
| 52 | Accountant | Finance | $82,360 | $59,530–$134,100 | $76,757 | 41,360 |
| 53 | Architect | Engineering | $81,790 | $60,750–$130,990 | $76,226 | 4,460 |
| 54 | Carpenter | Trades | $80,440 | $41,220–$118,450 | $74,967 | 14,220 |
| 55 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $80,400 | $49,910–$140,260 | $74,930 | 30,970 |
| 56 | Loan Officer | Finance | $80,040 | $40,710–$143,160 | $74,595 | 7,380 |
| 57 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $78,390 | $48,960–$105,250 | $73,057 | 45,840 |
| 58 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $77,050 | $49,460–$150,890 | $71,808 | 4,920 |
| 59 | Writer/Author | Creative | $75,940 | $43,440–$134,710 | $70,774 | 2,120 |
| 60 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $73,960 | $44,580–$100,820 | $68,928 | 7,620 |
| 61 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $73,340 | $49,670–$109,880 | $68,350 | 4,740 |
| 62 | Paralegal | Legal | $70,550 | $50,160–$106,040 | $65,750 | 11,590 |
| 63 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $66,490 | $43,750–$100,620 | $61,966 | 6,590 |
| 64 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $55,320 | $34,520–$92,460 | $51,556 | 20,140 |
| 65 | Welder | Trades | $52,650 | $39,130–$74,450 | $49,068 | 9,320 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL has one of the most balanced metro economies tracked here: finance, professional services, manufacturing, and healthcare are each large enough to anchor pay across the upper and middle percentiles. Cost of living sits close to the national average, which makes nominal pay numbers a clean read.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 is close to the U.S. average. Nominal salaries here translate roughly one-for-one into purchasing power; the COL-Adjusted column will be very close to the median column for every row.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Family Medicine Physician with five-plus years of experience in Chicago, IL should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($272,730) or 90th percentile ($320,380), not the $225,080 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $225K Family Medicine Physician salary in Chicago, IL (COL 107.3) translates to $210K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Family Medicine Physician in Chicago, IL page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Chicago, IL is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $225,080 and a 90th-percentile reading of $320,380. The role employs roughly 1,430 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
42 of the 65 BLS-tracked occupations in Chicago, IL have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 65 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Chicago, IL is $113,051. The cost-of-living index is 107.3, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $105,360 in equivalent purchasing power.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 107.3, near the national average. Nominal pay translates roughly to face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Family Medicine Physician, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Pediatrician occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.