Most common jobs in Chicago
Written by:
January 11, 2021
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
Most common jobs in Chicago
The 10 largest occupations in America employ 30.5 million workers, representing 21% of all workers. Keeping America’s economy moving would be impossible without office workers, package handlers, food prep workers, and truck drivers. And what would the sick do without the millions of hospital workers, nurses, and home health aides?
Stacker compiled a list of the most common jobs in Chicago using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by total employment as of May 2019. While much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs featured here give a holistic view at the most popular industries in your area and how many jobs are supported.
Keep reading to see which jobs in Chicago are the most common.
1 / 50
aboutsung // Shutterstock
#50. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 21,140
- Employment per 1,000: 4.52 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
National
- Employment: 477,270 (#64 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,020
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 21,140
- Employment per 1,000: 4.52 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
National
- Employment: 477,270 (#64 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,020
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
2 / 50
Glenn Highcove // Shutterstock
#49. Industrial truck and tractor operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 21,390
- Employment per 1,000: 4.574 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,770
National
- Employment: 629,270 (#52 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,930
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 21,390
- Employment per 1,000: 4.574 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,770
National
- Employment: 629,270 (#52 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,930
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
3 / 50
JOHANNES EISELE // Getty Images
#48. Passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 21,680
- Employment per 1,000: 4.636 (3% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,480
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 21,680
- Employment per 1,000: 4.636 (3% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,480
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
4 / 50
London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#47. Machinists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 21,890
- Employment per 1,000: 4.681 (79% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,180
National
- Employment: 383,470 (#87 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 21,890
- Employment per 1,000: 4.681 (79% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,180
National
- Employment: 383,470 (#87 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
5 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#45 (tie). Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 22,010
- Employment per 1,000: 4.706 (20% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,330
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 22,010
- Employment per 1,000: 4.706 (20% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,330
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
6 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#45 (tie). Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 22,010
- Employment per 1,000: 4.706 (27% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,630
National
- Employment: 542,690 (#60 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 22,010
- Employment per 1,000: 4.706 (27% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,630
National
- Employment: 542,690 (#60 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
7 / 50
Canva
#44. Sales managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 22,400
- Employment per 1,000: 4.789 (75% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $139,040
National
- Employment: 402,600 (#81 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 22,400
- Employment per 1,000: 4.789 (75% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $139,040
National
- Employment: 402,600 (#81 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Computer systems analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 22,410
- Employment per 1,000: 4.793 (20% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $90,690
National
- Employment: 589,060 (#56 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 22,410
- Employment per 1,000: 4.793 (20% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $90,690
National
- Employment: 589,060 (#56 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
9 / 50
Rido // Shutterstock
#42. Human resources specialists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 22,520
- Employment per 1,000: 4.816 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,700
National
- Employment: 633,040 (#50 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 22,520
- Employment per 1,000: 4.816 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,700
National
- Employment: 633,040 (#50 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
10 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#41. Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 23,130
- Employment per 1,000: 4.946 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,020
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 23,130
- Employment per 1,000: 4.946 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,020
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
11 / 50
OLIVIER DOULIERY // Getty Images
#40. First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 24,060
- Employment per 1,000: 5.146 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,700
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 24,060
- Employment per 1,000: 5.146 (25% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,700
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
12 / 50
pio3 // Shutterstock
#39. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 24,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.172 (14% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $82,170
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Employment: 24,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.172 (14% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $82,170
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Food preparation workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 26,200
- Employment per 1,000: 5.602 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,230
National
- Employment: 863,740 (#34 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 26,200
- Employment per 1,000: 5.602 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,230
National
- Employment: 863,740 (#34 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $25,820
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
14 / 50
Canva
#37. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 26,450
- Employment per 1,000: 5.657 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 26,450
- Employment per 1,000: 5.657 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,990
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
15 / 50
Pixabay
#36. Construction laborers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 26,460
- Employment per 1,000: 5.658 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,870
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 26,460
- Employment per 1,000: 5.658 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,870
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
16 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Lawyers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 27,790
- Employment per 1,000: 5.943 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $162,490
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Employment: 27,790
- Employment per 1,000: 5.943 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $162,490
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
17 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#34. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 28,520
- Employment per 1,000: 6.099 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 28,520
- Employment per 1,000: 6.099 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
18 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#33. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 29,960
- Employment per 1,000: 6.406 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
National
- Employment: 678,500 (#42 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 29,960
- Employment per 1,000: 6.406 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
National
- Employment: 678,500 (#42 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
19 / 50
Fusionstudio // Shutterstock
#32. Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 30,980
- Employment per 1,000: 6.624 (38% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,640
National
- Employment: 704,910 (#38 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 30,980
- Employment per 1,000: 6.624 (38% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,640
National
- Employment: 704,910 (#38 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
20 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#31. Management analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 32,840
- Employment per 1,000: 7.023 (45% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $100,990
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 32,840
- Employment per 1,000: 7.023 (45% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $100,990
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
21 / 50
New Africa // Shutterstock
#30. Receptionists and information clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 34,090
- Employment per 1,000: 7.29 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,950
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 34,090
- Employment per 1,000: 7.29 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,950
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
22 / 50
B Brown // Shutterstock
#29. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 34,320
- Employment per 1,000: 7.338 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $79,460
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 34,320
- Employment per 1,000: 7.338 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $79,460
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
23 / 50
Canva
#28. Financial managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 34,540
- Employment per 1,000: 7.385 (66% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $153,840
National
- Employment: 654,790 (#46 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 34,540
- Employment per 1,000: 7.385 (66% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $153,840
National
- Employment: 654,790 (#46 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
24 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#27. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 37,680
- Employment per 1,000: 8.057 (20% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,490
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 37,680
- Employment per 1,000: 8.057 (20% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,490
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
25 / 50
nullplus // Shutterstock
#26. Light truck drivers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 38,840
- Employment per 1,000: 8.305 (32% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 38,840
- Employment per 1,000: 8.305 (32% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
26 / 50
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#25. Nursing assistants
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 39,440
- Employment per 1,000: 8.433 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,930
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 39,440
- Employment per 1,000: 8.433 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,930
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
27 / 50
viviandnguyen_ // Flickr
#24. Packers and packagers, hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 40,550
- Employment per 1,000: 8.67 (101% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,340
National
- Employment: 633,640 (#49 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 40,550
- Employment per 1,000: 8.67 (101% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,340
National
- Employment: 633,640 (#49 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
28 / 50
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Cooks, restaurant
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 41,330
- Employment per 1,000: 8.839 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,970
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 41,330
- Employment per 1,000: 8.839 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,970
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
29 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#22. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 42,500
- Employment per 1,000: 9.087 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $45,520
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 42,500
- Employment per 1,000: 9.087 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $45,520
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
30 / 50
Sean Rayford // Getty Images
#21. Security guards
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 43,550
- Employment per 1,000: 9.312 (21% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,690
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 43,550
- Employment per 1,000: 9.312 (21% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,690
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
31 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#20. Accountants and auditors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 43,820
- Employment per 1,000: 9.371 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $79,370
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 43,820
- Employment per 1,000: 9.371 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $79,370
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
32 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#19. Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 44,550
- Employment per 1,000: 9.527 (31% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,640
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 44,550
- Employment per 1,000: 9.527 (31% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,640
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
33 / 50
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#18. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 44,680
- Employment per 1,000: 9.553 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,500
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 44,680
- Employment per 1,000: 9.553 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,500
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
34 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#17. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 46,350
- Employment per 1,000: 9.912 (40% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $63,190
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 46,350
- Employment per 1,000: 9.912 (40% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $63,190
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
35 / 50
Pixabay
#16. Maintenance and repair workers, general
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 46,870
- Employment per 1,000: 10.022 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,360
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 46,870
- Employment per 1,000: 10.022 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $46,360
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
36 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#15. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 46,970
- Employment per 1,000: 10.044 (5% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $104,610
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 46,970
- Employment per 1,000: 10.044 (5% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $104,610
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
37 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#14. Elementary school teachers, except special education
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 47,180
- Employment per 1,000: 10.089 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $66,700
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 47,180
- Employment per 1,000: 10.089 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $66,700
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
38 / 50
Pixabay
#13. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 55,400
- Employment per 1,000: 11.846 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $51,040
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 55,400
- Employment per 1,000: 11.846 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $51,040
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
39 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#12. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 57,050
- Employment per 1,000: 12.199 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $71,310
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 57,050
- Employment per 1,000: 12.199 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $71,310
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
40 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#11. Stockers and order fillers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 69,020
- Employment per 1,000: 14.758 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 69,020
- Employment per 1,000: 14.758 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,470
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
41 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Waiters and waitresses
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 69,600
- Employment per 1,000: 14.883 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,910
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 69,600
- Employment per 1,000: 14.883 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,910
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
42 / 50
Unsplash
#9. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 74,570
- Employment per 1,000: 15.946 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,160
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 74,570
- Employment per 1,000: 15.946 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,160
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
43 / 50
ESB Basic // Shutterstock
#8. Customer service representatives
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 96,660
- Employment per 1,000: 20.669 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $40,120
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 96,660
- Employment per 1,000: 20.669 (4% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $40,120
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
44 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#7. Registered nurses
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 97,030
- Employment per 1,000: 20.748 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,430
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 97,030
- Employment per 1,000: 20.748 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,430
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
45 / 50
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
#6. Cashiers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 99,570
- Employment per 1,000: 21.292 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,880
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 99,570
- Employment per 1,000: 21.292 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,880
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
46 / 50
Pixabay
#5. General and operations managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 101,960
- Employment per 1,000: 21.803 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $132,530
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 101,960
- Employment per 1,000: 21.803 (33% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $132,530
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
47 / 50
Pxhere
#4. Fast food and counter workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 119,320
- Employment per 1,000: 25.515 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,960
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 119,320
- Employment per 1,000: 25.515 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,960
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
48 / 50
Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock
#3. Office clerks, general
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 122,440
- Employment per 1,000: 26.183 (30% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,910
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 122,440
- Employment per 1,000: 26.183 (30% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,910
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
49 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#2. Retail salespersons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 125,620
- Employment per 1,000: 26.861 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 125,620
- Employment per 1,000: 26.861 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,990
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
50 / 50
Pixabay
#1. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Employment: 145,240
- Employment per 1,000: 31.059 (54% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,760
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 145,240
- Employment per 1,000: 31.059 (54% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,760
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
