Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

454 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in Illinois (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed: 2026-05-19

There are 454 occupations in Illinois with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Cardiologists at $517,850/year. Based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

Average Salary by State

Average salaries across all 50 states. Click a state to see its $50K+ jobs.

$57,873

$89,679

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2025 Annual

AL $63,963 AK $79,599 AZ $72,019 AR $58,447 CA $83,172 CO $76,493 CT $78,019 DE $71,614 DC $89,679 FL $67,772 GA $69,372 HI $73,976 ID $67,243 IL $74,900 IN $68,360 IA $68,184 KS $65,075 KY $66,085 LA $62,928 ME $70,351 MD $79,476 MA $81,221 MI $70,102 MN $79,901 MS $57,873 MO $67,599 MT $65,918 NE $68,499 NV $69,352 NH $75,725 NJ $80,366 NM $68,121 NY $83,189 NC $67,685 ND $70,391 OH $69,737 OK $63,871 OR $75,924 PA $70,617 RI $78,209 SC $66,430 SD $64,417 TN $66,638 TX $68,700 UT $68,195 VT $74,078 VA $73,984 WA $86,472 WV $62,235 WI $71,762 WY $66,073

454
Jobs Over $50K

$517,850

#1: Cardiologists

$91,457

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

2,861,700

Workers in These Jobs

All 454 Jobs Paying Over $50K in Illinois

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Cardiologists	$517,850	$484,120	340
2	Dermatologists	$435,750	$367,430	N/A
3	Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric	$426,580	$409,500	170
4	Physicians, Pathologists	$381,770	$381,560	N/A
5	Orthodontists	$343,100	$335,910	N/A
6	Chief Executives	$331,920	$347,550	4,620
7	Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers	$293,490	$316,140	6,460
8	Nurse Anesthetists	$286,830	$251,600	1,140
9	Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$284,630	$260,500	620
10	Psychiatrists	$258,740	$269,000	870
11	Family Medicine Physicians	$245,120	$229,370	1,960
12	Neurologists	$237,080	$258,020	240
13	Obstetricians and Gynecologists	$208,000	$244,730	1,290
14	Pediatricians, General	$196,760	$225,740	1,180
15	Air Traffic Controllers	$181,560	$164,200	990
16	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$171,730	$179,190	31,680
17	Podiatrists	$167,400	$176,140	N/A
18	Advertising and Promotions Managers	$167,330	$163,850	160
19	Financial Managers	$165,880	$183,920	52,720
20	Medical Dosimetrists	$163,860	$158,200	140
21	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$163,610	$170,480	8,900
22	Marketing Managers	$162,860	$170,370	21,140
23	Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators	$162,410	$131,290	80
24	Lawyers	$160,800	$181,240	33,590
25	Natural Sciences Managers	$159,670	$167,700	2,810
26	Dentists, General	$156,110	$193,050	6,940
27	Sales Managers	$155,280	$167,030	32,240
28	Purchasing Managers	$153,370	$161,930	4,160
29	Compensation and Benefits Managers	$151,730	$156,340	780
30	Human Resources Managers	$151,370	$162,450	13,520
31	Optometrists	$145,620	$143,720	1,540
32	Database Architects	$142,500	$144,790	1,590
33	Sociologists	$140,770	$143,940	N/A
34	General Internal Medicine Physicians	$140,680	$192,450	1,130
35	Pharmacists	$139,080	$138,070	12,070
36	Physicists	$137,140	$139,780	1,590
37	Computer and Information Research Scientists	$136,540	$142,950	630
38	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$135,430	$136,180	1,040
39	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$135,080	$126,760	4,900
40	Nuclear Engineers	$134,510	$139,280	1,040
41	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$133,690	$125,180	1,080
42	Veterinarians	$133,580	$153,810	2,330
43	Computer Hardware Engineers	$133,220	$138,940	1,420
44	Computer Network Architects	$132,790	$138,530	7,810
45	Software Developers	$132,110	$136,540	56,310
46	Public Relations Managers	$131,990	$142,720	2,770
47	Physician Assistants	$131,950	$131,880	3,790
48	Mathematicians	$130,970	$121,990	60
49	Nurse Practitioners	$130,680	$130,940	9,270
50	Training and Development Managers	$130,610	$143,330	1,830
51	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$129,390	$132,450	960
52	Industrial Production Managers	$127,270	$135,560	11,570
53	Materials Engineers	$126,620	$122,070	290
54	Commercial Pilots	$126,100	$157,600	1,170
55	Materials Scientists	$125,850	$129,980	380
56	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$124,850	$128,760	460
57	Forensic Science Technicians	$124,790	$108,760	370
58	Radiation Therapists	$124,600	$114,470	N/A
59	Information Security Analysts	$124,180	$127,000	5,260
60	Nuclear Power Reactor Operators	$123,980	$124,850	410
61	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$123,500	$115,980	3,240
62	Chemical Engineers	$121,560	$123,570	520
63	Nurse Midwives	$120,840	$113,800	280
64	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$120,250	$129,630	11,030
65	Personal Financial Advisors	$120,130	$158,450	9,760
66	Statisticians	$119,760	$120,170	480
67	Hoist and Winch Operators	$118,210	$114,220	320
68	Medical and Health Services Managers	$117,850	$139,160	22,460
69	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$115,780	$106,410	1,680
70	Actuaries	$115,430	$129,580	2,280
71	Ship Engineers	$115,310	$103,420	110
72	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$113,360	$118,420	14,850
73	Tapers	$113,180	$107,380	320
74	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$112,280	$147,860	110
75	Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors	$111,370	$116,190	230
76	Nuclear Technicians	$110,390	$105,680	780
77	Construction Managers	$109,160	$117,010	19,160
78	Aerospace Engineers	$108,940	$125,610	200
79	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$108,120	$107,820	3,090
80	Environmental Engineers	$107,990	$116,020	940
81	Electrical Engineers	$107,860	$114,640	5,460
82	Law Teachers, Postsecondary	$107,700	$136,280	470
83	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$107,690	$110,850	N/A
84	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$107,570	$117,270	7,350
85	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$107,470	$109,050	420
86	Terrazzo Workers and Finishers	$107,190	$92,670	N/A
87	Facilities Managers	$106,980	$113,070	9,180
88	Administrative Services Managers	$106,860	$114,940	12,040
89	Data Scientists	$106,560	$117,870	10,520
90	Fundraising Managers	$106,290	$117,980	2,860
91	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$105,750	$103,450	19,340
92	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$105,580	$103,190	N/A
93	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$105,450	$114,640	2,860
94	Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$105,440	$101,360	340
95	Physical Therapists	$105,250	$109,080	9,800
96	Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers	$104,990	$110,300	550
97	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$104,950	$105,110	620
98	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$104,910	$107,950	6,530
99	Database Administrators	$104,650	$108,300	2,340
100	Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary	$104,580	$102,530	230
101	Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$104,440	$104,910	170
102	Power Plant Operators	$104,440	$103,620	1,160
103	Financial Risk Specialists	$104,300	$121,010	2,920
104	Management Analysts	$104,270	$114,410	45,820
105	Labor Relations Specialists	$104,180	$102,970	3,670
106	Political Scientists	$103,780	$104,460	110
107	General and Operations Managers	$103,570	$135,540	171,300
108	Art Directors	$103,550	$114,870	2,960
109	Project Management Specialists	$103,470	$111,230	27,180
110	Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers	$102,890	$103,080	1,070
111	Epidemiologists	$102,720	$97,690	240
112	Mechanical Engineers	$102,680	$111,380	11,790
113	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$101,850	$98,680	2,740
114	Computer Systems Analysts	$101,570	$104,190	20,610
115	Power Distributors and Dispatchers	$101,470	$94,840	330
116	Financial and Investment Analysts	$101,180	$110,820	20,520
117	Geography Teachers, Postsecondary	$100,790	$96,590	140
118	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$100,700	$99,490	460
119	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$100,660	$98,730	3,270
120	Industrial Engineers	$100,540	$105,820	18,640
121	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$100,520	$92,450	29,180
122	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	$100,400	$90,480	1,100
123	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film	$100,170	$96,520	1,060
124	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$100,080	$105,450	9,820
125	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$99,950	$93,400	16,750
126	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	$99,840	$119,200	27,920
127	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$99,770	$108,130	9,530
128	Civil Engineers	$99,760	$105,390	13,910
129	Boilermakers	$99,730	$98,300	110
130	Sales Engineers	$99,710	$108,920	1,150
131	Occupational Therapists	$99,700	$99,570	7,710
132	Electricians	$99,560	$92,230	23,120
133	Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	$99,440	$106,410	120
134	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$99,060	$108,130	2,340
135	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$98,750	$103,710	1,540
136	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$98,270	$99,170	2,900
137	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$97,860	$100,070	880
138	Gas Plant Operators	$97,810	$90,040	530
139	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$97,740	$90,500	12,290
140	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$96,950	$109,290	410
141	Dental Hygienists	$96,670	$91,820	8,970
142	Registered Nurses	$95,990	$94,360	138,910
143	Genetic Counselors	$95,880	$96,580	90
144	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$95,610	$99,020	720
145	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$95,380	$93,310	2,760
146	Speech-Language Pathologists	$95,080	$92,660	9,040
147	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$94,970	$96,970	510
148	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$94,900	$103,950	540
149	Budget Analysts	$94,880	$94,430	750
150	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$94,770	$108,900	3,580
151	Food Scientists and Technologists	$94,340	$103,030	780
152	Plasterers and Stucco Masons	$93,790	$89,440	270
153	Audiologists	$93,510	$99,730	330
154	Locomotive Engineers	$93,320	$102,480	2,340
155	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$93,300	$87,330	140
156	Financial Examiners	$93,150	$106,400	4,050
157	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$92,860	$113,930	7,740
158	Geographers	$92,640	$92,160	40
159	Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers	$92,310	$90,400	50
160	Microbiologists	$92,050	$93,850	1,470
161	Urban and Regional Planners	$91,360	$97,270	1,140
162	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$91,190	$97,480	3,270
163	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$90,030	$96,650	220
164	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$89,980	$84,830	2,490
165	Operations Research Analysts	$89,800	$104,580	5,180
166	Historians	$89,670	$90,280	N/A
167	Insurance Underwriters	$89,620	$99,120	N/A
168	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	$89,520	$90,580	280
169	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$89,180	$86,110	240
170	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$88,820	$98,670	5,280
171	Technical Writers	$88,700	$92,610	1,040
172	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$87,150	$99,320	150
173	Biochemists and Biophysicists	$87,010	$102,640	150
174	Sheet Metal Workers	$86,630	$81,960	3,260
175	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$85,710	$98,960	2,050
176	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$85,510	$86,320	1,980
177	Chemists	$85,230	$98,420	3,040
178	Credit Analysts	$84,990	$103,060	3,130
179	Web Developers	$84,820	$95,460	4,310
180	Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary	$84,790	$86,340	180
181	School Psychologists	$84,690	$93,700	3,590
182	Rail Car Repairers	$84,570	$79,540	1,850
183	Respiratory Therapists	$84,090	$84,920	4,880
184	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$83,940	$87,290	700
185	Emergency Management Directors	$83,820	$96,410	450
186	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$83,750	$95,590	5,810
187	Hydrologists	$83,720	$92,640	100
188	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$83,180	$88,900	17,710
189	Cost Estimators	$82,750	$88,880	5,990
190	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$82,610	$90,030	440
191	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$82,330	$93,230	4,700
192	Foresters	$82,160	$86,700	220
193	Riggers	$81,860	$75,020	120
194	Roof Bolters, Mining	$81,860	$82,170	200
195	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$81,780	$92,840	5,130
196	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$81,680	$88,650	3,370
197	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$81,590	$92,260	1,550
198	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$81,530	$85,840	690
199	Special Effects Artists and Animators	$81,180	$92,680	630
200	Avionics Technicians	$81,170	$74,590	300
201	Producers and Directors	$81,080	$95,920	3,170
202	Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,760	$85,270	390
203	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$80,720	$84,960	1,350
204	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School	$80,700	$82,180	240
205	Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	$80,600	$73,360	1,310
206	Compliance Officers	$80,550	$87,900	10,650
207	Accountants and Auditors	$80,230	$88,910	54,930
208	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,220	$75,040	140
209	Surgical Assistants	$80,210	$78,760	2,300
210	Logisticians	$80,100	$85,640	14,170
211	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$79,990	$89,320	44,670
212	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$79,930	$80,770	7,650
213	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$79,890	$86,150	9,490
214	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$79,820	$89,110	2,790
215	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$79,780	$82,210	250
216	Gambling Managers	$79,610	$86,420	310
217	Soil and Plant Scientists	$79,490	$89,520	820
218	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	$79,400	$82,920	250
219	Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers	$79,320	$83,570	840
220	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$79,300	$86,460	4,410
221	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$79,190	$81,910	4,190
222	Correctional Officers and Jailers	$79,190	$78,080	12,190
223	Loan Officers	$79,150	$89,350	10,890
224	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$79,150	$78,320	4,940
225	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$79,120	$87,940	40,560
226	Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	$79,080	$81,990	330
227	Carpenters	$79,000	$80,320	19,570
228	Motion Picture Projectionists	$78,990	$78,680	N/A
229	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$78,910	$79,340	1,190
230	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$78,470	$83,220	19,660
231	Firefighters	$78,380	$76,530	18,400
232	Social and Community Service Managers	$78,380	$82,480	7,520
233	Construction and Building Inspectors	$78,340	$80,320	2,560
234	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$78,170	$77,800	5,890
235	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$78,150	$80,140	1,580
236	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$77,960	$77,170	14,040
237	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$77,950	$85,750	2,780
238	Roofers	$77,900	$77,650	5,300
239	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,860	$82,470	2,260
240	Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,720	$80,660	1,080
241	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,570	$80,140	2,570
242	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$77,410	$77,570	9,740
243	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$77,310	$80,540	3,260
244	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,080	$82,100	2,390
245	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$77,020	$79,370	1,170
246	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$77,010	$79,680	14,210
247	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$77,010	$83,330	510
248	Human Resources Specialists	$76,820	$81,480	35,430
249	Public Relations Specialists	$76,380	$86,060	6,200
250	Interior Designers	$76,290	$85,520	2,570
251	Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$76,290	$74,110	1,210
252	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$76,200	$76,250	12,100
253	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$76,110	$75,870	24,770
254	Editors	$76,060	$80,620	4,560
255	Instructional Coordinators	$76,050	$76,590	10,330
256	Surveyors	$75,980	$81,660	1,710
257	Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners	$75,890	$73,260	770
258	Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining	$75,890	$77,020	90
259	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$75,320	$74,630	61,520
260	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$75,200	$76,340	29,640
261	Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors	$75,050	$68,310	4,910
262	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	$75,000	$73,430	17,440
263	Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers	$74,980	$87,060	11,180
264	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$74,830	$65,250	230
265	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$74,730	$75,300	4,460
266	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	$74,390	$76,610	14,900
267	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$74,390	$78,380	2,590
268	Broadcast Technicians	$74,210	$77,070	690
269	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$73,520	$77,060	2,840
270	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$73,510	$83,240	51,310
271	Sound Engineering Technicians	$73,130	$69,840	570
272	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$73,060	$77,180	950
273	Computer Programmers	$72,540	$87,660	1,280
274	Film and Video Editors	$72,460	$77,150	310
275	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$71,950	$72,140	10,330
276	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$71,510	$70,810	560
277	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$71,370	$69,510	3,470
278	Logging Equipment Operators	$71,100	$62,930	40
279	Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$71,090	$71,950	2,260
280	Traffic Technicians	$70,970	$72,170	40
281	Bridge and Lock Tenders	$70,890	$71,700	290
282	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$70,700	$70,890	2,460
283	Transportation Security Screeners	$70,570	$67,300	1,970
284	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons	$70,220	$162,120	N/A
285	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$69,880	$72,420	1,330
286	Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	$69,600	$83,930	900
287	Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers	$69,600	$74,280	1,320
288	Conservation Scientists	$69,590	$75,750	730
289	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$69,010	$73,140	42,400
290	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic	$68,890	$60,260	N/A
291	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$68,830	$71,690	1,070
292	Computer Network Support Specialists	$68,530	$74,580	6,960
293	Motorboat Operators	$68,380	$70,700	40
294	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$68,310	$74,040	150
295	Writers and Authors	$68,220	$77,240	2,640
296	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	$67,810	$71,820	3,500
297	Landscape Architects	$67,460	$73,670	810
298	Medical Equipment Repairers	$67,380	$69,340	2,620
299	Training and Development Specialists	$67,380	$74,660	15,140
300	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$67,180	$82,710	630
301	Tile and Stone Setters	$67,160	$72,080	730
302	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$66,900	$82,330	69,910
303	Chiropractors	$66,650	$77,220	2,190
304	Millwrights	$66,640	$70,530	2,160
305	Fundraisers	$66,440	$71,500	4,470
306	Advertising Sales Agents	$66,290	$79,460	3,790
307	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$66,040	$72,770	480
308	Occupational Health and Safety Technicians	$65,960	$74,570	1,790
309	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$65,710	$68,240	160
310	Barbers	$65,430	$55,540	N/A
311	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$65,420	$69,930	25,270
312	Physical Therapist Assistants	$65,240	$65,810	4,890
313	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity	$65,200	$67,480	8,650
314	Mechanical Door Repairers	$65,090	$62,870	1,770
315	Social Science Research Assistants	$64,890	$69,900	250
316	Athletic Trainers	$64,750	$68,510	850
317	Surgical Technologists	$64,650	$70,070	3,570
318	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$64,630	$67,380	5,760
319	First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers	$64,620	$63,600	510
320	Tree Trimmers and Pruners	$64,450	$66,850	700
321	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$64,340	$69,220	11,320
322	Insurance Sales Agents	$64,280	$84,680	16,360
323	Healthcare Social Workers	$64,270	$68,190	4,910
324	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$64,120	$65,580	2,470
325	Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$64,020	$71,160	4,660
326	Food Service Managers	$63,930	$69,290	11,270
327	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$63,670	$72,310	14,130
328	Statistical Assistants	$63,410	$62,470	N/A
329	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$63,360	$59,380	570
330	Brokerage Clerks	$63,350	$66,850	2,060
331	Mechanical Drafters	$63,320	$71,290	450
332	Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$63,220	$70,670	19,860
333	Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	$63,180	$72,690	740
334	Curators	$63,060	$68,940	410
335	Hearing Aid Specialists	$63,050	$61,420	360
336	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,960	$72,810	4,170
337	Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers	$62,870	$68,110	530
338	Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders	$62,870	$59,960	230
339	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	$62,780	$62,280	900
340	Librarians and Media Collections Specialists	$62,700	$69,420	5,390
341	Special Education Teachers, Preschool	$62,580	$67,490	1,080
342	Graphic Designers	$62,560	$66,980	8,960
343	Real Estate Brokers	$62,540	$78,710	990
344	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,480	$72,140	4,420
345	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors	$62,420	$70,230	13,580
346	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	$62,400	$73,330	440
347	Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors	$62,370	$66,810	1,970
348	Flight Attendants	$62,120	$72,830	9,350
349	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$62,070	$63,500	14,730
350	Agricultural Inspectors	$62,000	$64,360	470
351	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$61,980	$72,800	250
352	Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders	$61,940	$64,120	5,580
353	Chemical Technicians	$61,890	$65,850	1,320
354	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$61,870	$70,160	1,710
355	Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs	$61,840	$62,740	1,740
356	Glaziers	$61,840	$74,200	1,410
357	Clergy	$61,820	$62,490	2,200
358	Crane and Tower Operators	$61,820	$71,380	1,220
359	Embalmers	$61,730	$63,240	60
360	Postal Service Clerks	$61,710	$61,530	2,720
361	Highway Maintenance Workers	$61,700	$66,410	10,790
362	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,560	$67,070	3,930
363	Lodging Managers	$61,530	$67,290	740
364	Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks	$61,390	$62,460	5,580
365	Desktop Publishers	$61,350	$61,780	150
366	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	$61,330	$65,490	1,980
367	Painters, Construction and Maintenance	$61,260	$69,630	6,820
368	Public Safety Telecommunicators	$61,260	$63,570	4,350
369	Tool and Die Makers	$61,170	$61,060	5,220
370	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$61,110	$61,100	780
371	Marriage and Family Therapists	$60,970	$68,510	860
372	Food Science Technicians	$60,820	$68,480	290
373	Audio and Video Technicians	$60,740	$67,840	3,020
374	Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$60,730	$68,530	20,250
375	Construction Laborers	$60,690	$67,620	35,940
376	Meter Readers, Utilities	$60,690	$62,280	570
377	Paramedics	$60,660	$72,570	3,890
378	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$60,590	$87,560	1,060
379	Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	$60,520	$71,080	110
380	Massage Therapists	$60,490	$60,440	4,950
381	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$60,320	$62,430	84,200
382	Private Detectives and Investigators	$60,210	$64,440	1,300
383	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$60,150	$70,380	1,700
384	Exercise Physiologists	$60,130	$65,960	300
385	Health Education Specialists	$60,120	$68,730	1,010
386	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$59,950	$61,690	1,150
387	Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health	$59,930	$65,490	980
388	Computer User Support Specialists	$59,860	$63,630	26,060
389	Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners	$59,840	$65,040	5,220
390	Tire Builders	$59,830	$60,220	N/A
391	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$59,800	$60,540	2,180
392	Cargo and Freight Agents	$59,750	$58,120	6,110
393	Solar Photovoltaic Installers	$59,630	$62,480	N/A
394	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	$59,590	$68,100	N/A
395	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$59,560	$65,610	140
396	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$59,540	$63,770	2,370
397	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$59,430	$62,300	1,770
398	Archivists	$59,340	$67,020	200
399	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$59,300	$62,910	560
400	Real Estate Sales Agents	$59,220	$57,260	6,030
401	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$59,030	$64,340	510
402	Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks	$58,880	$62,940	140
403	Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$58,840	$61,020	180
404	Chefs and Head Cooks	$58,830	$62,810	8,290
405	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$58,600	$64,120	530
406	Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare	$58,550	$60,160	3,090
407	Machinists	$58,520	$58,920	16,520
408	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$58,300	$59,390	5,370
409	Architectural and Civil Drafters	$58,240	$63,050	1,310
410	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$58,110	$57,810	430
411	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks	$57,880	$61,010	11,900
412	Surveying and Mapping Technicians	$57,470	$60,110	1,110
413	Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance	$57,240	$59,400	N/A
414	Pourers and Casters, Metal	$57,200	$65,210	330
415	Foundry Mold and Coremakers	$57,110	$54,530	390
416	Home Appliance Repairers	$56,860	$58,710	1,730
417	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$56,720	$51,120	390
418	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	$56,720	$57,650	66,600
419	Museum Technicians and Conservators	$56,720	$59,800	400
420	Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes	$56,560	$67,170	N/A
421	Medical Records Specialists	$56,440	$57,160	5,740
422	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$56,400	$54,030	5,360
423	Biological Technicians	$55,790	$56,790	790
424	Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters	$55,380	$55,050	1,910
425	Interpreters and Translators	$55,290	$58,650	1,510
426	Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers	$54,990	$55,790	610
427	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$54,930	$51,750	1,260
428	Recreational Therapists	$54,910	$59,160	440
429	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$54,680	$67,710	180
430	Tax Preparers	$54,480	$54,530	1,310
431	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$54,180	$53,580	550
432	Survey Researchers	$54,080	$75,800	320
433	Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators	$53,850	$60,710	N/A
434	Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$53,600	$61,620	N/A
435	Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$53,560	$56,920	10,240
436	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$53,340	$59,580	3,460
437	Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians	$53,280	$56,200	80
438	Models	$53,280	$80,460	60
439	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	$53,190	$57,230	1,210
440	Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall	$53,000	$60,200	780
441	Hydrologic Technicians	$52,870	$58,510	N/A
442	Forest and Conservation Technicians	$52,790	$55,010	820
443	Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	$52,790	$60,790	8,030
444	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$52,020	$56,990	5,750
445	Credit Counselors	$51,930	$55,920	1,170
446	Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$51,540	$55,340	80
447	Wellhead Pumpers	$51,440	$54,750	240
448	Dental Laboratory Technicians	$51,380	$53,070	2,030
449	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	$51,320	$55,930	16,260
450	Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders	$51,020	$52,660	590
451	Fence Erectors	$50,710	$53,380	690
452	Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters	$50,160	$53,650	2,350
453	Proofreaders and Copy Markers	$50,060	$52,010	300
454	Loan Interviewers and Clerks	$50,000	$53,580	6,850

Illinois High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Transportation, and Management fields.

66.4% of all tracked occupations in IL earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,000/year (Loan Interviewers and Clerks), while the top earner makes $517,850/year.

Illinois ranks #11 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in Illinois?

According to 2025 BLS data, there are 454 occupations in Illinois with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 66.4% of all tracked occupations in IL.

What is the highest paying job in Illinois?

The highest paying occupation in Illinois is Cardiologists with a median salary of $517,850 per year based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in Illinois?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in Illinois is $50,000/year (Loan Interviewers and Clerks). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in Illinois?

The average median salary among all 454 occupations that pay over $50K in Illinois is $91,457 per year (2025 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in Illinois?

High-paying jobs in Illinois typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in Illinois?

Build My Resume → · Find Remote & Flexible Jobs → · Get Certified & Earn More →

Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for Illinois

All Illinois Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics