Lowest-paying jobs in Chicago
Written by:
March 21, 2021
Gabriel Georgescu // Shutterstock
Lowest-paying jobs in Chicago
Stacker collected information on the lowest-paying jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2019.
In Chicago, the annual mean wage is $57,160 or 6.9% higher than national mean of $53,490, while the lowest-paying occupation makes only $19,480. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 100
evgenii mitroshin // Shutterstock
#100. Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $34,440
- Employment: 7,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,930
- Employment: 285,190
- Annual mean salary: $34,440
- Employment: 7,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,930
- Employment: 285,190
2 / 100
Canva
#99. Helpers--Roofers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $34,350
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,350
- Employment: 8,960
- Annual mean salary: $34,350
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,350
- Employment: 8,960
3 / 100
Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock
#98. Pharmacy Technicians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $34,240
- Employment: 15,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,250
- Employment: 417,780
- Annual mean salary: $34,240
- Employment: 15,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,250
- Employment: 417,780
4 / 100
Pixabay
#97. Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $34,190
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,720
- Employment: 3,620
- Annual mean salary: $34,190
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,720
- Employment: 3,620
5 / 100
Vasin Lee // Shutterstock
#96. Residential Advisors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $34,060
- Employment: 2,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,610
- Employment: 107,930
- Annual mean salary: $34,060
- Employment: 2,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,610
- Employment: 107,930
6 / 100
Nejron Photo // Shutterstock
#94 (tie). Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,950
- Employment: 23,590
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,950
- Employment: 23,590
7 / 100
Canva
#94 (tie). Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
- Employment: 26,450
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Employment: 912,660
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
- Employment: 26,450
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Employment: 912,660
8 / 100
Canva
#93. Butchers and Meat Cutters
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,900
- Employment: 5,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,010
- Employment: 136,770
- Annual mean salary: $33,900
- Employment: 5,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,010
- Employment: 136,770
9 / 100
Canva
#92. Motion Picture Projectionists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,720
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,890
- Employment: 4,540
- Annual mean salary: $33,720
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,890
- Employment: 4,540
10 / 100
OLIVIER DOULIERY // Getty Images
#91. First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,700
- Employment: 24,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Employment: 1,011,100
- Annual mean salary: $33,700
- Employment: 24,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Employment: 1,011,100
11 / 100
Sean Rayford // Getty Images
#90. Security Guards
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,690
- Employment: 43,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Employment: 1,126,370
- Annual mean salary: $33,690
- Employment: 43,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Employment: 1,126,370
12 / 100
Terry Moon Cronk // DoD
#89. Animal Trainers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,420
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,240
- Employment: 16,530
- Annual mean salary: $33,420
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,240
- Employment: 16,530
13 / 100
Canva
#88. Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,340
- Employment: 2,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,320
- Employment: 77,760
- Annual mean salary: $33,340
- Employment: 2,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,320
- Employment: 77,760
14 / 100
CHRISTOF STACHE // Getty Images
#87. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,170
- Employment: 20,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
- Annual mean salary: $33,170
- Employment: 20,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
15 / 100
Canva
#86. Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,150
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,880
- Employment: 20,830
- Annual mean salary: $33,150
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $33,880
- Employment: 20,830
16 / 100
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#85. Tellers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,100
- Employment: 11,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,660
- Employment: 442,120
- Annual mean salary: $33,100
- Employment: 11,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,660
- Employment: 442,120
17 / 100
zhu difeng // Shutterstock
#84. Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $33,080
- Employment: 4,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,940
- Employment: 140,850
- Annual mean salary: $33,080
- Employment: 4,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,940
- Employment: 140,850
18 / 100
Canva
#83. Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $32,920
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,930
- Employment: 10,850
- Annual mean salary: $32,920
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,930
- Employment: 10,850
19 / 100
Skeeze // pixabay
#82. Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $32,510
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,150
- Employment: 50,730
- Annual mean salary: $32,510
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,150
- Employment: 50,730
20 / 100
Martha McQuade // Flickr
#81. Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $32,180
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,810
- Employment: 8,690
- Annual mean salary: $32,180
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,810
- Employment: 8,690
21 / 100
TASER // Shutterstock
#80. Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $32,170
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,970
- Employment: 20,010
- Annual mean salary: $32,170
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,970
- Employment: 20,010
22 / 100
Canva
#79. Helpers--Production Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,970
- Employment: 9,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,540
- Employment: 303,030
- Annual mean salary: $31,970
- Employment: 9,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,540
- Employment: 303,030
23 / 100
New Africa // Shutterstock
#78. Receptionists and Information Clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,950
- Employment: 34,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Employment: 1,057,370
- Annual mean salary: $31,950
- Employment: 34,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Employment: 1,057,370
24 / 100
Paf - Games Sports Casion // Flickr
#77. Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,870
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,830
- Employment: 9,970
- Annual mean salary: $31,870
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,830
- Employment: 9,970
25 / 100
Pixabay
#76. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,760
- Employment: 145,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Employment: 2,953,170
- Annual mean salary: $31,760
- Employment: 145,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Employment: 2,953,170
26 / 100
Unsplash
#75. Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,160
- Employment: 74,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Employment: 2,145,450
- Annual mean salary: $31,160
- Employment: 74,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Employment: 2,145,450
27 / 100
U.S. Department of Agriculture // Flickr
#74. Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $31,070
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Employment: 13,210
- Annual mean salary: $31,070
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Employment: 13,210
28 / 100
Pearl PhotoPix // Shutterstock
#73. Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,960
- Employment: 15,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,530
- Employment: 385,960
- Annual mean salary: $30,960
- Employment: 15,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,530
- Employment: 385,960
29 / 100
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#72. Nursing Assistants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,930
- Employment: 39,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Employment: 1,419,920
- Annual mean salary: $30,930
- Employment: 39,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Employment: 1,419,920
30 / 100
Giulio_Fornasar // Shutterstock
#71. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,890
- Employment: 4,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,620
- Employment: 83,580
- Annual mean salary: $30,890
- Employment: 4,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,620
- Employment: 83,580
31 / 100
Canva
#70. Orderlies
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,650
- Employment: 1,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,710
- Employment: 46,990
- Annual mean salary: $30,650
- Employment: 1,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,710
- Employment: 46,990
32 / 100
Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos // Flickr
#69. Counter and Rental Clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- Employment: 8,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,600
- Employment: 411,560
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- Employment: 8,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,600
- Employment: 411,560
33 / 100
Canva
#68. Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,510
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,880
- Employment: 36,630
- Annual mean salary: $30,510
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,880
- Employment: 36,630
34 / 100
Unsplash
#66 (tie). Floral Designers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,760
- Employment: 41,770
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,760
- Employment: 41,770
35 / 100
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#66 (tie). Stockers and Order Fillers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
- Employment: 69,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Employment: 2,135,850
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
- Employment: 69,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Employment: 2,135,850
36 / 100
Canva
#65. Models
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,380
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,430
- Employment: 2,320
- Annual mean salary: $30,380
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,430
- Employment: 2,320
37 / 100
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
#64. Occupational Therapy Aides
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,290
- Employment: 2,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,310
- Employment: 7,560
- Annual mean salary: $30,290
- Employment: 2,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,310
- Employment: 7,560
38 / 100
Canva
#63. Sewers, Hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,250
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,020
- Employment: 4,770
- Annual mean salary: $30,250
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,020
- Employment: 4,770
39 / 100
Canva
#62. Pharmacy Aides
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,190
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,490
- Employment: 37,280
- Annual mean salary: $30,190
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,490
- Employment: 37,280
40 / 100
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#61. Medical Transcriptionists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,160
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,210
- Employment: 55,780
- Annual mean salary: $30,160
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,210
- Employment: 55,780
41 / 100
Canva
#60. Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $30,020
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,810
- Employment: 153,990
- Annual mean salary: $30,020
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,810
- Employment: 153,990
42 / 100
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#59. Cooks, Restaurant
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,970
- Employment: 41,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Employment: 1,401,890
- Annual mean salary: $29,970
- Employment: 41,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Employment: 1,401,890
43 / 100
ITRE Bicycle // Flickr
#58. Bicycle Repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,920
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,360
- Employment: 13,190
- Annual mean salary: $29,920
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,360
- Employment: 13,190
44 / 100
Canva
#57. Physical Therapist Aides
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,740
- Employment: 970
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,180
- Employment: 49,270
- Annual mean salary: $29,740
- Employment: 970
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,180
- Employment: 49,270
45 / 100
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#56. Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,730
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- Employment: 8,760
- Annual mean salary: $29,730
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,580
- Employment: 8,760
46 / 100
Canva
#55. Tire Repairers and Changers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,700
- Employment: 3,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,350
- Employment: 110,880
- Annual mean salary: $29,700
- Employment: 3,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,350
- Employment: 110,880
47 / 100
Don LaVange // Flickr
#54. Funeral Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,830
- Employment: 34,370
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,830
- Employment: 34,370
48 / 100
Canva
#53. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,580
- Employment: 11,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,030
- Employment: 402,480
- Annual mean salary: $29,580
- Employment: 11,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,030
- Employment: 402,480
49 / 100
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#52. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,500
- Employment: 44,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
- Annual mean salary: $29,500
- Employment: 44,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
50 / 100
viviandnguyen_ // Flickr
#51. Packers and Packagers, Hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,340
- Employment: 40,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Employment: 633,640
- Annual mean salary: $29,340
- Employment: 40,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Employment: 633,640
51 / 100
Canva
#50. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,300
- Employment: 390
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,230
- Employment: 16,410
- Annual mean salary: $29,300
- Employment: 390
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,230
- Employment: 16,410
52 / 100
Martin Smith // Shutterstock
#49. Parking Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,280
- Employment: 5,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,450
- Employment: 147,390
- Annual mean salary: $29,280
- Employment: 5,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,450
- Employment: 147,390
53 / 100
grivet // Shutterstock
#48. Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,120
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,010
- Employment: 21,290
- Annual mean salary: $29,120
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,010
- Employment: 21,290
54 / 100
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Driver/Sales Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,100
- Employment: 11,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,230
- Employment: 444,660
- Annual mean salary: $29,100
- Employment: 11,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,230
- Employment: 444,660
55 / 100
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#46. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $29,020
- Employment: 23,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Employment: 926,960
- Annual mean salary: $29,020
- Employment: 23,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Employment: 926,960
56 / 100
UfaBizPhoto // Shutterstock
#44 (tie). Sewing Machine Operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
- Employment: 3,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Employment: 133,410
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
- Employment: 3,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Employment: 133,410
57 / 100
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#44 (tie). Retail Salespersons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
- Employment: 125,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Employment: 4,317,950
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
- Employment: 125,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Employment: 4,317,950
58 / 100
Canva
#43. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,870
- Employment: 1,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,690
- Employment: 97,030
- Annual mean salary: $28,870
- Employment: 1,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,690
- Employment: 97,030
59 / 100
Elliot Brown // Flickr
#42. Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,810
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,740
- Employment: 31,190
- Annual mean salary: $28,810
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $30,740
- Employment: 31,190
60 / 100
Canva
#41. Bakers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,800
- Employment: 9,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,630
- Employment: 184,990
- Annual mean salary: $28,800
- Employment: 9,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,630
- Employment: 184,990
61 / 100
Smash the Iron Cage // Wikimedia Commons
#40. Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,770
- Employment: 1,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 73,390
- Annual mean salary: $28,770
- Employment: 1,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 73,390
62 / 100
Canva
#39. Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,760
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,340
- Employment: 9,670
- Annual mean salary: $28,760
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,340
- Employment: 9,670
63 / 100
Canva
#38. Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,720
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,780
- Employment: 295,520
- Annual mean salary: $28,720
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,780
- Employment: 295,520
64 / 100
ProfDEH // Wikimedia Commons
#36 (tie). Couriers and Messengers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,630
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,640
- Employment: 74,720
- Annual mean salary: $28,630
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,640
- Employment: 74,720
65 / 100
Pfc. Dalton Precht // Wikimedia Commons
#36 (tie). Gambling Cage Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,630
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 14,330
- Annual mean salary: $28,630
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 14,330
66 / 100
Atstock Productions // Shutterstock
#35. Telemarketers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,620
- Employment: 4,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,770
- Employment: 134,800
- Annual mean salary: $28,620
- Employment: 4,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,770
- Employment: 134,800
67 / 100
Unsplash
#34. Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,590
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,300
- Employment: 21,130
- Annual mean salary: $28,590
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,300
- Employment: 21,130
68 / 100
Canva
#33. Dietetic Technicians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,530
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,180
- Employment: 29,230
- Annual mean salary: $28,530
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $31,180
- Employment: 29,230
69 / 100
Canva
#32. Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,280
- Employment: 2,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,860
- Employment: 117,670
- Annual mean salary: $28,280
- Employment: 2,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,860
- Employment: 117,670
70 / 100
Canva
#31. Psychiatric Aides
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,210
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,590
- Employment: 55,020
- Annual mean salary: $28,210
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,590
- Employment: 55,020
71 / 100
Oksana Shufrych // Shutterstock
#30. Recreation Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $28,050
- Employment: 12,940
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,330
- Employment: 358,750
- Annual mean salary: $28,050
- Employment: 12,940
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,330
- Employment: 358,750
72 / 100
PxHere
#29. Library Assistants, Clerical
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $27,670
- Employment: 4,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,820
- Employment: 85,910
- Annual mean salary: $27,670
- Employment: 4,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,820
- Employment: 85,910
73 / 100
Canva
#28. Food Preparation Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $27,230
- Employment: 26,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Employment: 863,740
- Annual mean salary: $27,230
- Employment: 26,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Employment: 863,740
74 / 100
Nejron Photo // Shutterstock
#27. Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $27,110
- Employment: 11,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,940
- Employment: 382,670
- Annual mean salary: $27,110
- Employment: 11,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,940
- Employment: 382,670
75 / 100
Gabriel Georgescu // Shutterstock
#26. Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,950
- Employment: 5,960
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,950
- Employment: 267,940
- Annual mean salary: $26,950
- Employment: 5,960
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,950
- Employment: 267,940
76 / 100
Jason Person // Shutterstock
#25. Cooks, Short Order
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,650
- Employment: 4,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,240
- Employment: 152,670
- Annual mean salary: $26,650
- Employment: 4,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,240
- Employment: 152,670
77 / 100
Travis Grathwell // Flickr
#24. Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,540
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,230
- Employment: 15,990
- Annual mean salary: $26,540
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,230
- Employment: 15,990
78 / 100
Canva
#23. Passenger Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,510
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,420
- Employment: 28,200
- Annual mean salary: $26,510
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,420
- Employment: 28,200
79 / 100
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#22. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,320
- Employment: 6,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,420
- Employment: 209,330
- Annual mean salary: $26,320
- Employment: 6,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,420
- Employment: 209,330
80 / 100
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#21. Animal Caretakers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $26,300
- Employment: 7,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,060
- Employment: 212,450
- Annual mean salary: $26,300
- Employment: 7,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,060
- Employment: 212,450
81 / 100
Pixabay
#20. Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,940
- Employment: 5,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,380
- Employment: 143,940
- Annual mean salary: $25,940
- Employment: 5,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,380
- Employment: 143,940
82 / 100
Krakenimages.com // Shutterstock
#19. Childcare Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,800
- Employment: 12,830
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,510
- Employment: 561,520
- Annual mean salary: $25,800
- Employment: 12,830
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,510
- Employment: 561,520
83 / 100
VGstockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,540
- Employment: 11,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,080
- Employment: 277,580
- Annual mean salary: $25,540
- Employment: 11,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,080
- Employment: 277,580
84 / 100
Crew // Wikimedia Commons
#17. Bartenders
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,440
- Employment: 19,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Employment: 646,850
- Annual mean salary: $25,440
- Employment: 19,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Employment: 646,850
85 / 100
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#16. Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,320
- Employment: 2,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,230
- Employment: 39,790
- Annual mean salary: $25,320
- Employment: 2,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $28,230
- Employment: 39,790
86 / 100
Ryan Everton // Unsplash
#15. Dishwashers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $25,170
- Employment: 15,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,410
- Employment: 514,330
- Annual mean salary: $25,170
- Employment: 15,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,410
- Employment: 514,330
87 / 100
Canva
#14. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $24,980
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 14,740
- Annual mean salary: $24,980
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,600
- Employment: 14,740
88 / 100
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
#13. Cashiers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $24,880
- Employment: 99,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,400
- Employment: 3,617,910
- Annual mean salary: $24,880
- Employment: 99,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,400
- Employment: 3,617,910
89 / 100
Unsplash
#12. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $24,630
- Employment: 7,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,330
- Employment: 338,110
- Annual mean salary: $24,630
- Employment: 7,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,330
- Employment: 338,110
90 / 100
Pexels
#11. Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $24,240
- Employment: 4,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,870
- Employment: 138,160
- Annual mean salary: $24,240
- Employment: 4,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,870
- Employment: 138,160
91 / 100
Dragon Images // Shutterstock
#10. Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $24,050
- Employment: 13,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,010
- Employment: 423,380
- Annual mean salary: $24,050
- Employment: 13,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,010
- Employment: 423,380
92 / 100
Finist4 // Shutterstock
#9. Manicurists and Pedicurists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $23,990
- Employment: 3,160
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,390
- Employment: 111,780
- Annual mean salary: $23,990
- Employment: 3,160
National
- Annual mean salary: $27,390
- Employment: 111,780
93 / 100
Pxhere
#8. Fast Food and Counter Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $23,960
- Employment: 119,320
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Employment: 3,996,820
- Annual mean salary: $23,960
- Employment: 119,320
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Employment: 3,996,820
94 / 100
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#7. Waiters and Waitresses
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $23,910
- Employment: 69,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Employment: 2,579,020
- Annual mean salary: $23,910
- Employment: 69,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Employment: 2,579,020
95 / 100
Canva
#6. Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $23,730
- Employment: 750
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,820
- Employment: 38,070
- Annual mean salary: $23,730
- Employment: 750
National
- Annual mean salary: $24,820
- Employment: 38,070
96 / 100
aboutsung // Shutterstock
#5. Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
- Employment: 21,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,020
- Employment: 477,270
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
- Employment: 21,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $25,020
- Employment: 477,270
97 / 100
Daniel Lee // Flickr
#4. Cooks, Fast Food
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $22,220
- Employment: 12,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,530
- Employment: 527,220
- Annual mean salary: $22,220
- Employment: 12,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,530
- Employment: 527,220
98 / 100
Canva
#3. Shampooers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $22,100
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $22,910
- Employment: 12,120
- Annual mean salary: $22,100
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $22,910
- Employment: 12,120
99 / 100
Pixabay
#2. Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $22,010
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,150
- Employment: 8,930
- Annual mean salary: $22,010
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $35,150
- Employment: 8,930
100 / 100
Antoine Taveneaux // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Gambling Dealers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $19,480
- Employment: 1,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,980
- Employment: 98,890
- Annual mean salary: $19,480
- Employment: 1,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $23,980
- Employment: 98,890
