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262 Jobs That Pay Over $75K in Illinois (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

There are 262 occupations in Illinois with a median salary above $75K 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 $75K+ jobs.

Click for full breakdown →
AK AL AR AZ CA CO FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NM NV NY OH OK OR PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WA WI WV WY VT NH MA RI CT NJ DE MD DC
$57,873
$89,679

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2025 Annual

262
Jobs Over $75K
$517,850
#1: Cardiologists
$113,074
Avg of Qualifying Jobs
1,903,090
Workers in These Jobs

All 262 Jobs Paying Over $75K 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

Illinois High-Salary Insights

The $75K+ jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Transportation, and Management fields.

38.3% of all tracked occupations in IL earn a median salary above $75K. The entry point for this group is $75,000/year (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses), while the top earner makes $517,850/year.

Illinois ranks #10 among all 50 states for the number of $75K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $75K a year in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, there are 262 occupations in Illinois with a median annual salary above $75K. This represents 38.3% 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 $75K+ list in Illinois?
The entry point for the $75K+ list in Illinois is $75,000/year (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses). Any occupation with a median salary above $75K qualifies for this list.
What is the average salary of $75K+ jobs in Illinois?
The average median salary among all 262 occupations that pay over $75K in Illinois is $113,074 per year (2025 data).
How can I get a job that pays over $75K 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 $75K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Aiming for a $75K+ Career in Illinois?

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Jobs Over $75K 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 $75K 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