Highest-Paying Jobs in Chicago: Top Careers to Pursue

Chicago is full of opportunities, but some careers pay far more than others. Some can fast-track you to six figures, while others barely cover rent.

This guide highlights 70 of the highest-paying jobs in Chicago for 2025, and at the end, we’ll also share a quick tip to help you crush your applications and feel confident chasing the job you want.

How Did We Make This List?

We wanted the “highest paying jobs in Chicago” list to be as accurate and helpful as possible, so we used official data from two trusted sources:

• The Illinois Department of Employment Security’s Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on Occupational Employment and Wages in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

We pulled the most recent numbers available and combined them into one easy-to-compare dataset. Then, we looked at two things:

• The 50 highest-paying jobs in Chicago in terms of average pay.

• The 20 jobs with the highest starting pay, since that matters if you’re just entering the field.

This way, you can see not only which jobs pay the most overall, but also which ones start strong from the very beginning.

Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs in Chicago

Pediatricians, General

Entry Annual Salary: $99,221
Mean Annual Salary: $218,697
Experienced Annual Salary: $278,436
Employment: 1,020

Occupation Description: Pediatricians provide medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. They diagnose and treat illnesses, monitor growth and development, and offer preventive care.

Family Medicine Physicians

Entry Annual Salary: $91,076
Mean Annual Salary: $204,266
Experienced Annual Salary: $260,860
Employment: 880

Occupation Description: Family medicine physicians offer comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages. They manage chronic illnesses, perform routine checkups, and focus on preventive care.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Entry Annual Salary: $78,939
Mean Annual Salary: $196,688
Experienced Annual Salary: $255,563
Employment: 60

Occupation Description: These scientists study weather, climate, and space phenomena. Their work includes forecasting weather patterns and conducting research on atmospheric processes.

Lawyers

Entry Annual Salary: $91,640
Mean Annual Salary: $193,731
Experienced Annual Salary: $244,776
Employment: 25,510

Occupation Description: Lawyers represent clients in legal matters, provide counsel, and prepare legal documents. They may specialize in areas such as criminal law, corporate law, or litigation.

Veterinarians

Entry Annual Salary: $84,486
Mean Annual Salary: $174,032
Experienced Annual Salary: $218,804
Employment: 1,560

Occupation Description: Veterinarians diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals. They perform surgeries, administer vaccinations, and provide preventive care to pets and livestock.

Physicians, Pathologists

Entry Annual Salary: $81,633
Mean Annual Salary: $171,575
Experienced Annual Salary: $216,545
Employment: 180

Occupation Description: Pathologists specialize in studying diseases by examining tissues, organs, and bodily fluids. They often work in laboratories and provide diagnostic reports to guide treatment.

Sales Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $91,980
Mean Annual Salary: $168,819
Experienced Annual Salary: $207,238
Employment: 20,180

Occupation Description: Sales managers direct an organization’s sales teams, set goals, and analyze performance. They create strategies to drive revenue growth and expand customer bases.

Natural Sciences Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $91,127
Mean Annual Salary: $161,024
Experienced Annual Salary: $195,973
Employment: 1,680

Occupation Description: Natural sciences managers supervise scientists and coordinate research activities. They manage budgets, staffing, and project timelines in laboratories or research facilities.

Marketing Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $96,739
Mean Annual Salary: $159,021
Experienced Annual Salary: $190,163
Employment: 14,230

Occupation Description: Marketing managers develop campaigns to promote products and services. They analyze market trends, oversee branding, and manage advertising efforts.

Managers, All Other

Entry Annual Salary: $91,638
Mean Annual Salary: $156,428
Experienced Annual Salary: $188,822
Employment: 26,320

Occupation Description: This category covers managers in specialized fields not classified elsewhere. They plan, direct, and coordinate operations to meet organizational objectives.

Aerospace Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $94,035
Mean Annual Salary: $154,641
Experienced Annual Salary: $184,943
Employment: 180

Occupation Description: Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Their work focuses on improving performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $92,850
Mean Annual Salary: $148,539
Experienced Annual Salary: $176,383
Employment: 380

Occupation Description: These managers develop and oversee employee compensation programs. They analyze pay structures, manage benefits plans, and ensure compliance with regulations.

General and Operations Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $59,098
Mean Annual Salary: $146,683
Experienced Annual Salary: $190,475
Employment: 99,730

Occupation Description: General managers handle the day-to-day operations across different teams, making sure everything runs smoothly, stays productive, and aligns with long-term business goals.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $85,242
Mean Annual Salary: $144,867
Experienced Annual Salary: $174,681
Employment: 12,920

Occupation Description: These managers oversee healthcare facilities or departments. They handle budgets, staffing, compliance, and ensure smooth delivery of patient care.

Sociologists 

Entry Annual Salary: $84,651
Mean Annual Salary: $144,244
Experienced Annual Salary: $174,042
Employment: 270

Occupation Description: Sociologists study human behavior, social groups, and institutions. They conduct research to understand societal patterns and help inform policy.

Air Traffic Controllers

Entry Annual Salary: $68,980
Mean Annual Salary: $143,238
Experienced Annual Salary: $180,369
Employment: 250

Occupation Description: Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movement on the ground and in the air. Their primary goal is to ensure safety and minimize flight delays.

Database Architects

Entry Annual Salary: $94,052
Mean Annual Salary: $141,117
Experienced Annual Salary: $164,649
Employment: 1,070

Occupation Description: Database architects design and build database systems that store and organize information. They ensure data security, reliability, and performance.

Economists

Entry Annual Salary: $77,254
Mean Annual Salary: $139,700
Experienced Annual Salary: $170,922
Employment: 460

Occupation Description: Economists study economic data and trends to advise governments or businesses. They create models to forecast market behavior and recommend policies.

Optometrists

Entry Annual Salary: $83,709
Mean Annual Salary: $138,393
Experienced Annual Salary: $165,735
Employment: 960

Occupation Description: Optometrists check your eyes, prescribe glasses or contacts, and identify any vision issues. They can also spot eye diseases and refer you to specialists if needed.

Training and Development Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $85,722
Mean Annual Salary: $137,264
Experienced Annual Salary: $163,034
Employment: 1,050

Occupation Description: These managers oversee employee training programs. They identify skill gaps, design learning plans, and measure program effectiveness.

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Entry Annual Salary: $95,002
Mean Annual Salary: $136,545
Experienced Annual Salary: $157,315
Employment: 520

Occupation Description: Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as communications systems and control devices. They work on both prototype and production stages.

Public Relations Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $80,441
Mean Annual Salary: $136,359
Experienced Annual Salary: $164,318
Employment: 1,970

Occupation Description: PR managers manage an organization’s public image. They create communication strategies, handle media relations, and respond to public inquiries.

Software Developers

Entry Annual Salary: $88,351
Mean Annual Salary: $135,348
Experienced Annual Salary: $158,846
Employment: 36,800

Occupation Description: Software developers design and build computer programs and applications. They test, debug, and improve software to meet user needs.

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Entry Annual Salary: $94,188
Mean Annual Salary: $134,639
Experienced Annual Salary: $154,865
Employment: 1,070

Occupation Description: These supervisors coordinate firefighting crews and emergency response activities. They ensure safety protocols are followed and oversee daily operations.

Industrial Production Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $91,010
Mean Annual Salary: $133,356
Experienced Annual Salary: $154,529
Employment: 6,150

Occupation Description: Industrial production managers oversee manufacturing operations. They focus on efficiency, quality control, and meeting production goals.

Materials Scientists

Entry Annual Salary: $90,282
Mean Annual Salary: $132,842
Experienced Annual Salary: $154,122
Employment: 270

Occupation Description: Materials scientists research and create materials with specific qualities for different industries. They test and experiment to enhance strength, durability, and overall performance.

Actuaries

Entry Annual Salary: $73,101
Mean Annual Salary: $132,838
Experienced Annual Salary: $162,707
Employment: 1,260

Occupation Description: Actuaries analyze risk using mathematics and statistics. They often work in insurance, pensions, and finance to design policies and manage risk exposure.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Entry Annual Salary: $52,924
Mean Annual Salary: $131,511
Experienced Annual Salary: $170,804
Employment: 220

Occupation Description: These scientists develop innovative computing solutions and advance technology. Their work includes AI research, algorithms, and system improvements.

Physicists

Entry Annual Salary: $80,618
Mean Annual Salary: $131,227
Experienced Annual Salary: $156,532
Employment: 1,130

Occupation Description: Physicists explore the core principles of matter and energy. They run experiments, create theories, and use their discoveries in real-world applications.

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Entry Annual Salary: $66,709
Mean Annual Salary: $131,181
Experienced Annual Salary: $163,417
Employment: 400

Occupation Description: These professors teach engineering courses at colleges and universities. They also conduct research and publish academic findings.

Management Analysts

Entry Annual Salary: $72,762
Mean Annual Salary: $130,511
Experienced Annual Salary: $159,385
Employment: 32,410

Occupation Description: Management analysts evaluate business operations to improve efficiency. They recommend cost-saving strategies and streamline workflows.

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Entry Annual Salary: $77,824
Mean Annual Salary: $130,103
Experienced Annual Salary: $156,243
Employment: 280

Occupation Description: These instructors teach economics at universities and colleges. They prepare lectures, mentor students, and publish research papers.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Entry Annual Salary: $80,679
Mean Annual Salary: $129,202
Experienced Annual Salary: $153,464
Employment: 330

Occupation Description: These professionals preside over hearings and make decisions in legal disputes related to government regulations, ensuring fair and unbiased rulings.

Mathematicians

Entry Annual Salary: $84,334
Mean Annual Salary: $128,876
Experienced Annual Salary: $151,147
Employment: 60 

Occupation Description: Mathematicians conduct research to develop mathematical theories and techniques. They apply math to solve real-world problems in science, engineering, and business.

Environmental Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $83,686
Mean Annual Salary: $128,767
Experienced Annual Salary: $151,307
Employment: 880

Occupation Description: Environmental engineers design solutions to address environmental problems, including pollution control and waste management. They work to protect public health and natural resources.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Entry Annual Salary: $58,957
Mean Annual Salary: $127,714
Experienced Annual Salary: $162,093
Employment: 5,850

Occupation Description: These educators teach courses in health-related subjects such as nursing or public health. They prepare students for careers in healthcare professions.

Administrative Services Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $77,145
Mean Annual Salary: $126,591
Experienced Annual Salary: $151,315
Employment: 7,200

Occupation Description: These managers coordinate supportive services like mail distribution, office upkeep, and records management. They keep operations running smoothly.

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $73,303
Mean Annual Salary: $125,559
Experienced Annual Salary: $151,686
Employment: 7,560

Occupation Description: They oversee transportation and storage operations. Their role includes logistics planning, safety compliance, and cost control.

Information Security Analysts

Entry Annual Salary: $79,340
Mean Annual Salary: $125,436
Experienced Annual Salary: $148,485
Employment: 2,960

Occupation Description: These analysts safeguard computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They monitor for threats, pinpoint weaknesses, and respond to security breaches.

Statisticians

Entry Annual Salary: $92,662
Mean Annual Salary: $125,142
Experienced Annual Salary: $141,382
Employment: 310

Occupation Description: Statisticians analyze data to help organizations make decisions. They design surveys, run experiments, and interpret results for actionable insights.

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Entry Annual Salary: $84,146
Mean Annual Salary: $124,923
Experienced Annual Salary: $145,311
Employment: 8,270

Occupation Description: These administrators manage school operations, budgets, and staff. They ensure compliance with education standards and support student success.

Chemical Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $79,375
Mean Annual Salary: $124,628
Experienced Annual Salary: $147,255
Employment: 270

Occupation Description: Chemical engineers develop processes for producing products like fuels, pharmaceuticals, and food. They aim to improve efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce environmental impact.

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $61,260
Mean Annual Salary: $124,300
Experienced Annual Salary: $155,821
Employment: 100

Occupation Description: These managers create campaigns to generate interest in products or services. They coordinate with sales and creative teams to maximize reach.

Construction Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $76,804
Mean Annual Salary: $124,252
Experienced Annual Salary: $147,976
Employment: 9,760

Occupation Description: Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee building projects. They manage budgets, timelines, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Data Scientists

Entry Annual Salary: $76,965
Mean Annual Salary: $124,203
Experienced Annual Salary: $147,822
Employment: 5,100

Occupation Description: Data scientists analyze large datasets to uncover trends and insights. They build models to inform business decisions and improve processes.

Physical Scientists, All Other

Entry Annual Salary: $78,209
Mean Annual Salary: $123,794
Experienced Annual Salary: $146,586
Employment: 380

Occupation Description: This group includes scientists who study non-biological phenomena not classified elsewhere. Their work often involves research and laboratory analysis.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Entry Annual Salary: $49,402
Mean Annual Salary: $123,058
Experienced Annual Salary: $159,886
Employment: 240

Occupation Description: These professors teach law courses and mentor aspiring lawyers. They also engage in legal research and publish scholarly articles.

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

Entry Annual Salary: $80,685
Mean Annual Salary: $122,891
Experienced Annual Salary: $143,995
Employment: 60

Occupation Description: Health and safety engineers develop procedures to protect workers from illness and injury. They design safety systems and ensure regulatory compliance.

Electrical Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $80,122
Mean Annual Salary: $122,336
Experienced Annual Salary: $143,443
Employment: 3,500

Occupation Description: Electrical engineers design, test, and improve electrical systems and equipment. Their work spans industries like energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Entry Annual Salary: $59,553
Mean Annual Salary: $121,934
Experienced Annual Salary: $153,123
Employment: 4,170

Occupation Description: These sales reps sell technical or scientific products to businesses. They explain product benefits, negotiate contracts, and maintain client relationships.

Top 20 Jobs with the Highest Entry Salaries in Chicago

Agricultural Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $128,087
Mean Annual Salary: $155,452
Experienced Annual Salary: $169,135
Employment: 20

Occupation Description: Agricultural engineers develop solutions to agricultural problems, including equipment design, soil conservation, and crop production. They often work to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.

Medical Dosimetrists

Entry Annual Salary: $121,591
Mean Annual Salary: $149,670
Experienced Annual Salary: $163,710
Employment: 60

Occupation Description: Medical dosimetrists calculate and plan the proper radiation doses for cancer treatment. They work closely with oncologists and physicists to ensure safe and effective therapy for patients.

Hoist and Winch Operators

Entry Annual Salary: $118,801
Mean Annual Salary: $118,971
Experienced Annual Salary: $119,056
Employment: 290

Occupation Description: Hoist and winch operators control lifting devices to move heavy objects in construction, manufacturing, and shipping. They are responsible for safe operation and positioning of loads.

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $118,726
Mean Annual Salary: $164,826
Experienced Annual Salary: $187,876
Employment: 5,090

Occupation Description: These managers coordinate architectural and engineering teams to design, develop, and implement projects. They oversee budgets, timelines, and technical quality standards.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $117,481
Mean Annual Salary: $177,780
Experienced Annual Salary: $207,931
Employment: 18,990

Occupation Description: IT managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They implement technology strategies, manage IT staff, and ensure system security.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Entry Annual Salary: $116,701
Mean Annual Salary: $139,180
Experienced Annual Salary: $150,418
Employment: 3,600

Occupation Description: These supervisors manage police officers and detectives, overseeing daily operations, investigations, and compliance with laws. They often handle administrative tasks and scheduling.

Financial Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $110,465
Mean Annual Salary: $189,217
Experienced Annual Salary: $228,594
Employment: 35,360

Occupation Description: Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial health. They prepare reports, direct investment activities, and develop long-term financial strategies.

Nuclear Engineers

Entry Annual Salary: $109,962
Mean Annual Salary: $143,737
Experienced Annual Salary: $160,625
Employment: 400

Occupation Description: Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems to harness nuclear energy. They also ensure compliance with safety regulations in nuclear facilities.

Pharmacists

Entry Annual Salary: $108,900
Mean Annual Salary: $140,420
Experienced Annual Salary: $156,180
Employment: 7,650

Occupation Description: Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, advise on proper use, and provide health screenings. They play a key role in patient education and medication safety.

Nurse Practitioners

Entry Annual Salary: $107,933
Mean Annual Salary: $135,000
Experienced Annual Salary: $148,533
Employment: 5,610

Occupation Description: Nurse practitioners provide advanced nursing care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses. They may prescribe medications and often serve as primary care providers.

Purchasing Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $107,002
Mean Annual Salary: $155,948
Experienced Annual Salary: $180,421
Employment: 2,580

Occupation Description: Purchasing managers direct procurement activities, negotiating contracts for goods and services. They aim to secure the best pricing and maintain supply chain efficiency.

Radiation Therapists

Entry Annual Salary: $104,954
Mean Annual Salary: $117,569
Experienced Annual Salary: $123,877
Employment: 1,300

Occupation Description: Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. They work with oncologists to deliver precise doses while monitoring patient safety.

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Entry Annual Salary: $104,633
Mean Annual Salary: $108,346
Experienced Annual Salary: $110,202
Employment: 440

Occupation Description: These workers control petroleum refining and processing units. They monitor gauges and equipment to ensure smooth, safe operations.

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Entry Annual Salary: $104,167
Mean Annual Salary: $118,404
Experienced Annual Salary: $125,523
Employment: 310

Occupation Description: These specialists install and repair electrical equipment in power plants and substations. Their work keeps critical systems running safely and efficiently.

Physician Assistants

Entry Annual Salary: $103,886
Mean Annual Salary: $127,635
Experienced Annual Salary: $139,509
Employment: 2,560

Occupation Description: Physician assistants provide medical care under a physician’s supervision. They perform exams, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments.

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Entry Annual Salary: $103,579
Mean Annual Salary: $134,717
Experienced Annual Salary: $150,286
Employment: 680

Occupation Description: These workers install, maintain, and repair elevators and escalators, ensuring the equipment is safe and fully operational in line with regulations.

Computer Network Architects

Entry Annual Salary: $103,192
Mean Annual Salary: $146,759
Experienced Annual Salary: $168,543
Employment: 4,120

Occupation Description: Network architects design and build data communication networks. They work on local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

Tapers

Entry Annual Salary: $101,226
Mean Annual Salary: $110,021
Experienced Annual Salary: $114,418
Employment: 270

Occupation Description: Tapers prepare walls for painting by applying tape and compound to seams. Their work ensures smooth, finished surfaces in construction projects.

Dentists, General

Entry Annual Salary: $100,229
Mean Annual Salary: $184,658
Experienced Annual Salary: $226,873
Employment: 3,040

Occupation Description: General dentists diagnose and treat dental and gum problems. They perform cleanings, extractions, fillings, and educate patients on oral health.

Human Resources Managers

Entry Annual Salary: $99,875

Mean Annual Salary: $158,217

Experienced Annual Salary: $187,389

Employment: 9,440

Occupation Description: HR managers oversee recruiting, training, and employee relations. They develop policies, manage benefits programs, and ensure compliance with labor laws.

How to Land One of These Jobs in Chicago

Knowing which jobs pay the most is only step one. Positioning yourself so you’re ready when opportunities appear matters just as much as the paycheck. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Build the Right Skills

Most top-paying roles call for specialized expertise: an advanced degree, or certifications in areas like IT security, project management, or finance. Even if you’re already working, adding a new credential can move you up.

Network Strategically

In Chicago, career moves often come through people, not postings. Go to industry events, join associations, or message peers on LinkedIn. The right contact can surface a role you’d never see online.

Stay Market-Ready with Studio Pod

Keep your resume polished, your LinkedIn up-to-date, and your professional image sharp. You never know when someone will find your LinkedIn page or request your resume during a conference.

Studio Pod can help you stay ready. It’s a self-serve headshot studio where you can snap professional photos without booking an expensive photo shoot. 

In about 15 minutes, you’ll walk out with 15+ polished images you can use on LinkedIn, resumes, company bios, or your website. And at just $50 a session, it’s an affordable way to look as sharp and confident as the job you’re going after.

Bottom Line

The highest-paying jobs in Chicago right now include pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and atmospheric and space scientists. Those are the roles that can easily reach six figures with proper training and experience. 

Even if your profession or passion isn’t on the list, you still need to be prepared to conquer the job market. Keep your resume sharp, build connections, and stay ready with a professional photo so you can grab the right opportunity when it comes along.

FAQs

What is considered a good salary in Chicago?

Most single professionals consider $75,000-$100,000 a comfortable salary. Earning $120,000 or more typically allows for savings and a more flexible lifestyle.

Which industries pay the most in Chicago?

Healthcare, tech, law, and management lead the list, with finance and engineering also offering strong six-figure opportunities.

Are there high-paying jobs in Chicago without a degree?

Yes, careers like elevator installers, air traffic controllers, and power plant operators pay well with certifications and on-the-job training.

How do Chicago salaries compare to those in other cities?

They’re competitive with other major metros, and Chicago’s cost of living is generally lower than New York or San Francisco, so your paycheck stretches further.