Average Salary in Illinois (2025-2026)
The average annual salary in Illinois is $62,000, which is lower than the national average of $63,000 by 2%. Understanding Illinois salaries helps with career planning, relocation decisions, and financial goal setting.
Quick Answer
The average annual salary in Illinois is $62,000 as of 2025-2026. The median household income is $78,000. With a cost of living index of 92, salaries in Illinois lower than the national average by 2%.
Key Takeaways
- The average salary in Illinois is $62,000 per year, 2% lower than the US average.
- The median household income in Illinois is $78,000.
- After adjusting for cost of living (index: 92), the purchasing power of a $62,000 salary in Illinois is equivalent to approximately $67,391 nationally.
- Illinois has a 4.95% flat state income tax system.
- The minimum wage in Illinois is $14.00 per hour.
Salary Data Overview
| Metric | Illinois | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $62,000 | $63,000 |
| Median Household Income | $78,000 | $75,000 |
| National Average Salary | $63,000 | - |
| Minimum Wage | $14.00/hour | - |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% flat | - |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 (US avg: 100) | 100 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, Illinois Department of Revenue (2025)
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Illinois
Use our free salary calculator to estimate your after-tax income in Illinois, accounting for federal and state taxes.
Open Illinois Salary CalculatorAverage Salary Overview for Illinois
As of 2025-2026, the average annual salary in Illinois stands at $62,000, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure represents the mean annual wage across all occupations in the state. The median household income, which represents the midpoint of all household incomes, is $78,000.
When evaluating salaries in Illinois, it is important to consider the state's cost of living index of 92. This means that goods and services in Illinois are approximately 8% less expensive than the national average. The purchasing power of a $62,000 salary in Illinois is roughly equivalent to $67,391 in an average-cost area of the United States.
Illinois Salary vs. National Average
The national average salary in the United States is approximately $63,000 per year. Illinois's average salary of $62,000 is 2% lower than the national figure.
Illinois ranks among states where salaries are lower than the national average. This is largely driven by factors including the local industry mix, cost of living, demand for skilled workers, and regional economic conditions. Major employment sectors in Illinois influence overall compensation levels across the state.
Tax Impact on Illinois Salaries
State income tax significantly affects take-home pay. Illinois's state income tax system is: 4.95% flat. This tax structure means workers in Illinois should factor state income tax into their financial planning when evaluating job offers or negotiating salaries.
Use our free salary calculator to estimate your exact take-home pay in Illinois after federal and state taxes.
Cost of Living Considerations in Illinois
With a cost of living index of 92, Illinois is less expensive than the national average. Here is how this affects salary purchasing power:
At the average salary of $62,000, your effective purchasing power in Illinois is approximately $67,391 relative to national average costs.
Key cost factors include housing (the largest expense for most households), transportation, utilities, food, and healthcare. When evaluating a job offer or considering relocation to Illinois, it is essential to consider both the salary and the local cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Illinois?
The average annual salary in Illinois is $62,000 as of 2025-2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median household income is $78,000.
How does Illinois's average salary compare to the US average?
Illinois's average salary of $62,000 is 2% lower than the US national average of $63,000.
What is the minimum wage in Illinois?
The minimum wage in Illinois is $14.00 per hour. This is above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
What is the cost of living in Illinois?
The cost of living index in Illinois is 92, where 100 represents the US average. This means living expenses in Illinois are approximately 8% lower than the national average.
How much is $62,000 after taxes in Illinois?
The exact take-home amount depends on filing status, deductions, and credits. Illinois has a 4.95% flat state income tax. Use our salary calculator to get an accurate estimate of your after-tax income in Illinois.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- US Census Bureau - American Community Survey
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- US Bureau of Economic Analysis - Regional Price Parities
Last updated: June 2026