Careers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Part of Illinois.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN’s regional price level is above the national average (index 103.595, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 5.3% · 4,717,450 people employed (2026-06, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Radiologists$479,910
- 2Cardiologists$475,590
- 3Surgeons, All Other$462,620
- 4Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$446,510
- 5Dermatologists$435,750
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand157,920 employed
- 2General and Operations Managers122,930 employed
- 3Home Health and Personal Care Aides108,520 employed
- 4Registered Nurses100,240 employed
- 5Cashiers99,240 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other10.20× national avg
- 2Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders4.69× national avg
- 3Hoist and Winch Operators4.00× national avg
- 4Surgical Assistants3.23× national avg
- 5Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other2.97× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Radiologists$463,256
- 2Cardiologists$459,086
- 3Surgeons, All Other$446,566
- 4Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$431,015
- 5Dermatologists$420,628
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score isn’t available at the metro level yet — see Illinois state page.