Accredited Schools & Colleges in Illinois

Illinois College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Best Colleges & Universities in Illinois

The best colleges and universities in Illinois also happen to be some of the best in the nation. The Chicago area is home to Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago, to name just three of the top schools. When you venture out of that sprawling megalopolis, you'll find countless opportunities for post-secondary education, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Wheaton College, and Bradley University.

Illinois not only has great universities, but it also has excellent opportunities that await its graduates. After you toss your cap in the air, there are plenty of employers waiting to snap you up for their management training programs, entry-level positions, and more. You can start off in the Chicago area, which is home to many Fortune 500 companies, top financial firms, and countless small businesses. Alternatively, you could take your world-class degree anywhere your heart desires. Illinois' fantastic opportunities will be waiting when you return.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Illinois?

Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, is home to the United States' third largest city, borders a Great Lake, and grows tons of grains across its expansive plains. Bachelor's degrees in Illinois are also plentiful and you can study nearly anything you wish at one of the state's many public and private universities. Since Chicago is a hub of finance, the most popular bachelor's degrees include business, finance, and accounting. However, engineering is also strong in Illinois, as are health sciences.

Top Majors in Illinois

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Illinois

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$27,040* $37,024* $43,472* $60,996* $72,852* $90,636*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Top Careers in Illinois

Career Trends in Illinois by Field of Study

Illinois' growth rate has been slow in recent years. While 2018 showed positive job growth (.9%), the overall population is on the decline. Add to this a falling statewide credit rating and things aren't looking great for the Land of Lincoln. Nonetheless, the state is still home to some of the largest revenue-generating companies in the nation. You might recognize industrial giants such as Boeing, Caterpillar, and Abbot Labs, to name only three.

Top Accounting Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Tax Preparers 4,100 $36,000
IRS Agent 1,400 $79,900
Financial Adviser 14,400 $89,900
Financial Manager 8,500 $71,800
Consultant 38,800 $92,200

  • Tax Preparers:
    You can always count on needing a Tax Preparer. In this profession, you will help your clients find deductions or other ways to reduce their tax exposure. You will need an extensive knowledge of the tax code and you’ll have to keep up-to-date on new changes or tweaks to that ever-changing financial rubric.

  • IRS Agent:
    This is a fantastic place to start a career as an accountant. If you graduate with a lot of debt from student loans, you can reduce that debt by working for the government. In this position, you will put your Illinois accounting degree to use by assessing tax return documents, assessing how much back-tax is owed, or whether a person deserves more of a refund.

  • Financial Adviser:
    Everyone wants to hold and grow their savings through investments or other financial instruments. When you have an accounting degree and perhaps a Series 7 securities license, you can help your clients purchase equity investments and assess an asset portfolio.

  • Financial Manager:
    In this profession, you will help your employer allocate assets, manage debt, and generally keep the financial ship afloat, and thriving. You might have a team of analysts under you to do the day-to-day assessment of how the company is doing, but you will need to synthesize that information into a cohesive narrative and then report to your Chief Financial Officer.

  • Consultant:
    Many accountants work as consultants who enter a business and conduct an audit. In your job you will not only assess the financial ledgers, but you will look at how systems function in a business with an eye towards eliminating inefficiencies.

Best Illinois Schools for Accounting

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • DePaul University
  • University of Chicago
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois

Top Business Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Marketing 24,300 $62,400
Logistician 7,000 $67,900
Management 118,800 $124,200
Management Information Systems 4,000 $91,700
Bookkeeper 52,400 $40,900
  • Marketing:
    Every product needs to be marketed, thus marketing departments and firms have risen up to help companies access those markets. As a marketing professional, you will study market data to determine the best ways to sell your firm's products. You will determine demand, compare prices against similar products, and otherwise position your firm for success.
  • Logistician:
    This field is sometimes called Supply Chain Management, as it is concerned with how supplies move throughout the nation and world. Logisticians help determine the best, most efficient ways to move those goods.
  • Management:
    Every firm needs a team of managers to motivate employees, maintain the bottom line, and press the company forward. Managers are found in fast food restaurants, Fortune 500 IT departments, and any other business you can think of.
  • Management Information Systems:
    This hot new(er) field attempts to optimize the relationship between human employees and the sea of data stored in their databases. In this position, you will consider hardware and software solutions for your team.
  • Bookkeeper:
    All businesses need accurate, detail-oriented bookkeepers to record sales, expenses, and more. Bookkeepers consolidate all of their figures and then accountants review it all in an audit or for quarterly tax filings. This is both a fantastic career and a springboard for accounting students who are working towards attaining their Illinois CPA license.

Best Illinois Schools for Business

  • University of Chicago
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Loyola University
  • University of Illinois – Chicago

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Civil Engineer 11,100 $91,400
Chemical Engineer 700 $87,000
Aerospace Engineer 300 $103,900
Environmental Engineer 1,500 $84,900
CAD Technician 2,200 $60,200
  • Civil Engineer:
    If you want to build bridges, roads, and buildings all in the course of a career, then you need to be a Civil Engineer. These engineers create so many of the structures that help guide our daily lives. In Chicago, for instance, engineers figured out how to create the world's first skyscrapers, then they turned around and reversed the flow of the Chicago River.
  • Chemical Engineer:
    Chemical Engineers study how to manipulate chemical reactions to create new food, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Your job might be in a lab, conducting research and developing new chemical solutions, or you might work in a refinery, or other industrial environment, monitoring operations and troubleshooting problems.
  • Aerospace Engineer:
    While we have become very used to airplanes and even space ships, there is still a vast frontier yet to be explored. Some Aerospace Engineers are developing personal aircraft that we will one day call flying cars, and private corporations are working hard on commercial space missions, and other exciting advances in rocketry. Your job will not be easy, but your projects will drive the future.
  • Environmental Engineer:
    As the natural world continues to evolve, there is ever more demand for Environmental Engineers to help us work with and solve issues related to the environment. In Chicago you could work on issues related to the lake and the seawall or studying whether Lake Michigan will one day wash onto Michigan Avenue.
  • CAD Technician:
    Engineers all work with Computer Assisted Design software to create their projects. They then employ CAD Technicians to turn their ideas into plans that construction supervisors implement on the ground.

Best Illinois Schools for Engineering

  • Northwest University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bradley University
  • University of Illinois-Chicago

Top Health Administration Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Medical and Health Services Managers 13,300 $113,000
Financial Analyst 14,400 $89,900
Healthcare Informatics 4,000 $91,700
Communications 24,300 $62,400
Medical Equipment Sales 15,900 $81,900
  • Medical and Health Services Managers:
    The healthcare industry has its own specialized managers. If you pursue Healthcare Administration, you will learn much about the medical world, enabling you to work with the doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. You'll know how to serve the bottom line for the company, but also how to ensure that your staff delivers optimal care to patients.
  • Financial Analysts:
    Financial analysts in healthcare will need to understand the reasoning behind certain expenditures. While a new MRI machine may look out of place on your spreadsheets, you'll also understand the importance of keeping up-to-date with current medical technology.
  • Healthcare Informatics:
    Health systems rely on data and, as a Healthcare Informatics professional, you will know how to pull and analyze facts and figures that help the doctors deliver optimal care. This is a fascinating field that bridges Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Health, and Management, among others.
  • Communications:
    When you have a huge medical campus that is doing hundreds of brilliant things every day, you need a communications team to collect and report those stories. As a communications professional in healthcare, you will help deliver a positive message to the public about the cutting edge work your organization does.
  • Medical Equipment Sales:
    You might study Healthcare Administration, but not have a real feel for sitting in an office. If you'd rather be in the field selling new prosthetic limbs to orthopedic surgeons, or assessing a hospital's need for new wheelchairs, you can do that. With an industry-specific degree you will understand the issues behind the equipment you sell, and you'll be able to have productive consultations that will yield bigger sales.

Best Illinois Schools for Health Administration

  • Northwestern University
  • Loyola University
  • University of Illinois-Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bradley University

Top Health Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Occupational Therapist 5,200 $82,300
Physical Therapist 11,400 $90,000
Radiology Technician 7,000 $63,100
Medical Assistant 19,900 $34,700
Nurse Practitioner 4,600 $101,900
  • Occupational Therapist:
    These health science professionals work with a wide range of populations, ailments, and goals. Some work in the field with adolescents who suffer with mental illness. Others work in assisted-living facilities and help the residents cope with issues related to aging. You might work with people recovering from traumatic brain injury, for instance, while your colleague specialized in dementia.
  • Physical Therapist:
    When people lose mobility or suffer injury, they rely on Physical Therapists to help them recover. Your day might include working with a patient recovering from a temporary paralysis, or someone learning to cope with life in a wheelchair.
  • Radiology Technician:
    All doctors need accurate information on which to base a diagnosis and Radiology Technicians provide that data by way of MRI, CT Scans, X-Rays, and PET. You will know how to keep your equipment perfectly calibrated and even learn how to read the results.
  • Medical Assistant:
    In healthcare, professionals work either on the administrative or clinical slide. However, as a MA, you will work on both sides, which makes this the perfect job for those who want both. Over time, you may discover that you’d rather specialize in one area or the other.
  • Nurse Practitioner:
    If you love medicine but don't want to be a doctor, this is a great profession. Nurse Practitioners perform many of the same functions as doctors: diagnosis, treatments, writing prescriptions, etc. However, they do not have medical licenses at stake. Instead, they work under a doctor who signs off on their work.

Best Illinois Schools for Health Sciences

  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bradley University
  • University of Illinois-Chicago

Want to See All the Illinois Occupational Wage Averages
Occupation Title - *Salary information provided by BLS Median Hourly Wage Mean Hourly Wage Annual Mean Wage
All Occupations $18.69 $25.20 $52,410
Management Occupations $46.58 $54.25 $112,840
Chief Executives $96.92 $99.05 $206,020
General and Operations Managers $48.90 $59.70 $124,190
Legislators (4) (4) $46,720
Advertising and Promotions Managers $45.56 $50.06 $104,130
Marketing Managers $53.76 $58.78 $122,260
Sales Managers $54.66 $61.70 $128,340
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers $48.13 $55.37 $115,180
Administrative Services Managers $40.39 $44.68 $92,940
Computer and Information Systems Managers $62.62 $65.93 $137,140
Financial Managers $56.65 $64.60 $134,370
Industrial Production Managers $45.42 $48.31 $100,480
Purchasing Managers $49.47 $53.55 $111,380
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $41.19 $44.33 $92,220
Compensation and Benefits Managers $52.47 $58.45 $121,570
Human Resources Managers $48.93 $54.05 $112,430
Training and Development Managers $46.37 $48.80 $101,500
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $29.79 $32.66 $67,920
Construction Managers $43.89 $47.67 $99,150
Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program $24.02 $31.66 $65,860
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School (4) (4) $104,280
Education Administrators, Postsecondary $41.05 $47.95 $99,740
Education Administrators, All Other $36.21 $40.10 $83,420
Architectural and Engineering Managers $60.78 $63.60 $132,290
Food Service Managers $23.30 $24.68 $51,340
Funeral Service Managers $43.87 $39.71 $82,590
Gaming Managers $31.37 $36.00 $74,890
Lodging Managers $18.73 $23.68 $49,260
Medical and Health Services Managers $47.83 $54.34 $113,030
Natural Sciences Managers $54.81 $54.62 $113,620
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $35.64 $36.35 $75,620
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $28.47 $31.72 $65,980
Social and Community Service Managers $28.10 $30.71 $63,870
Emergency Management Directors $35.14 $38.11 $79,270
Managers, All Other $37.76 $42.59 $88,600
Business and Financial Operations Occupations $31.44 $35.83 $74,530
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $28.10 $35.86 $74,580
Buyers and Purchasing Agents $30.10 $31.59 $65,700
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $30.54 $31.74 $66,030
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $33.25 $33.84 $70,380
Compliance Officers $33.60 $34.51 $71,780
Cost Estimators $31.80 $33.41 $69,480
Human Resources Specialists $27.36 $29.55 $61,460
Labor Relations Specialists $25.42 $24.94 $51,870
Logisticians $30.63 $32.64 $67,890
Management Analysts $38.10 $44.33 $92,200
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $23.96 $25.18 $52,370
Fundraisers $26.76 $27.75 $57,720
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $30.07 $32.31 $67,210
Training and Development Specialists $27.44 $28.80 $59,910
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $27.97 $29.99 $62,380
Business Operations Specialists, All Other $29.81 $32.68 $67,980
Accountants and Auditors $33.49 $38.49 $80,050
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate $23.22 $25.42 $52,870
Budget Analysts $35.16 $36.51 $75,940
Credit Analysts $31.15 $35.03 $72,870
Financial Analysts $37.53 $43.20 $89,860
Personal Financial Advisors $40.25 $58.54 $121,750
Insurance Underwriters $34.17 $37.02 $76,990
Financial Examiners $44.70 $47.98 $99,800
Credit Counselors $21.79 $22.46 $46,720
Loan Officers $32.81 $39.56 $82,290
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $37.91 $38.39 $79,850
Tax Preparers $14.07 $17.30 $35,990
Financial Specialists, All Other $37.79 $42.16 $87,690
Computer and Mathematical Occupations $40.13 $41.74 $86,820
Computer and Information Research Scientists $55.12 $58.32 $121,310
Computer Systems Analysts $42.95 $43.56 $90,600
Information Security Analysts $45.26 $46.81 $97,360
Computer Programmers $39.43 $42.98 $89,390
Software Developers, Applications $44.96 $46.21 $96,110
Software Developers, Systems Software $50.16 $51.30 $106,700
Web Developers $34.87 $37.58 $78,160
Database Administrators $43.70 $44.10 $91,730
Network and Computer Systems Administrators $40.57 $42.16 $87,700
Computer Network Architects $54.30 $53.87 $112,050
Computer User Support Specialists $24.39 $25.81 $53,680
Computer Network Support Specialists $32.47 $34.10 $70,940
Computer Occupations, All Other $43.21 $44.69 $92,960
Actuaries $48.79 $53.23 $110,710
Mathematicians $45.82 $46.52 $96,770
Operations Research Analysts $41.96 $43.42 $90,310
Statisticians $37.71 $40.31 $83,850
Miscellaneous Mathematical Science Occupations $31.56 $40.03 $83,270
Architecture and Engineering Occupations $37.43 $39.39 $81,920
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $35.02 $38.94 $81,000
Landscape Architects $32.39 $33.15 $68,960
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $33.57 $34.67 $72,120
Surveyors $30.46 $31.92 $66,400
Aerospace Engineers $48.79 $49.93 $103,860
Agricultural Engineers $39.00 $40.48 $84,190
Biomedical Engineers $47.73 $47.60 $99,000
Chemical Engineers $40.60 $41.92 $87,200
Civil Engineers $41.15 $43.95 $91,430
Computer Hardware Engineers $45.43 $45.91 $95,500
Electrical Engineers $42.90 $44.17 $91,870
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $46.79 $48.37 $100,610
Environmental Engineers $41.06 $40.80 $84,870
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $40.32 $40.81 $84,880
Industrial Engineers $38.89 $39.77 $82,720
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects $27.04 $39.62 $82,410
Materials Engineers $43.04 $44.00 $91,510
Mechanical Engineers $42.75 $44.25 $92,040
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $44.17 $45.16 $93,920
Nuclear Engineers $57.51 $58.48 $121,650
Petroleum Engineers $32.82 $40.47 $84,170
Engineers, All Other $40.65 $42.54 $88,470
Architectural and Civil Drafters $27.94 $29.91 $62,210
Electrical and Electronics Drafters $32.61 $33.18 $69,010
Mechanical Drafters $26.68 $28.14 $58,540
Drafters, All Other $23.55 $24.90 $51,790
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians $27.56 $26.99 $56,140
Civil Engineering Technicians $28.79 $28.30 $58,860
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians $32.78 $32.72 $68,060
Electro-Mechanical Technicians $25.16 $26.30 $54,700
Environmental Engineering Technicians $25.71 $27.31 $56,810
Industrial Engineering Technicians $26.73 $27.76 $57,750
Mechanical Engineering Technicians $28.04 $28.95 $60,220
Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $29.82 $30.41 $63,250
Surveying and Mapping Technicians $25.40 $27.16 $56,490
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations $30.27 $34.29 $71,330
Animal Scientists $27.26 $27.73 $57,670
Food Scientists and Technologists $33.44 $36.47 $75,860
Soil and Plant Scientists $26.48 $27.44 $57,080
Biochemists and Biophysicists $40.39 $48.77 $101,450
Microbiologists $24.45 $28.72 $59,730
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $27.22 $28.06 $58,370
Biological Scientists, All Other $41.71 $43.42 $90,320
Conservation Scientists $33.40 $32.47 $67,540
Foresters $29.90 $31.72 $65,970
Epidemiologists $38.40 $41.17 $85,620
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $31.62 $39.29 $81,730
Life Scientists, All Other $41.42 $39.73 $82,630
Physicists $54.45 $56.98 $118,520
Atmospheric and Space Scientists $45.99 $45.15 $93,900
Chemists $32.81 $36.84 $76,620
Materials Scientists $44.87 $45.09 $93,800
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $40.22 $40.54 $84,320
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $30.47 $34.01 $70,730
Hydrologists $42.79 $39.12 $81,360
Physical Scientists, All Other $40.93 $43.51 $90,510
Economists $49.10 $51.10 $106,280
Survey Researchers $22.58 $25.38 $52,790
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists $33.65 $36.61 $76,150
Psychologists, All Other $34.70 $36.09 $75,060
Sociologists $32.12 $33.17 $69,000
Urban and Regional Planners $36.07 $38.23 $79,510
Anthropologists and Archeologists $25.14 $27.75 $57,720
Historians $35.66 $34.06 $70,840
Political Scientists $36.70 $36.67 $76,270
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $36.98 $38.44 $79,960
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians $18.64 $20.22 $42,060
Biological Technicians $21.43 $23.24 $48,340
Chemical Technicians $23.13 $24.21 $50,360
Geological and Petroleum Technicians $14.69 $18.84 $39,180
Nuclear Technicians $43.65 $42.68 $88,770
Social Science Research Assistants $20.05 $21.69 $45,110
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $19.58 $21.68 $45,090
Forensic Science Technicians $39.43 $38.28 $79,630
Forest and Conservation Technicians $22.52 $22.43 $46,640
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $23.52 $24.78 $51,550
Community and Social Service Occupations $20.67 $23.48 $48,840
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors $24.01 $27.19 $56,550
Marriage and Family Therapists $26.23 $26.73 $55,600
Rehabilitation Counselors $14.78 $17.54 $36,480
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $18.79 $20.58 $42,810
Counselors, All Other $15.60 $17.40 $36,190
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $25.40 $27.95 $58,140
Healthcare Social Workers $25.43 $25.77 $53,600
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $20.59 $24.66 $51,290
Social Workers, All Other $33.36 $31.68 $65,890
Health Educators $26.42 $27.91 $58,050
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $30.44 $30.91 $64,300
Social and Human Service Assistants $14.23 $16.12 $33,540
Community Health Workers $16.38 $17.88 $37,190
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $17.00 $18.08 $37,620
Clergy $22.40 $23.69 $49,260
Directors, Religious Activities and Education $19.13 $21.01 $43,690
Religious Workers, All Other $17.11 $18.18 $37,810
Legal Occupations $41.32 $54.63 $113,630
Lawyers $55.55 $67.75 $140,920
Judicial Law Clerks $40.55 $35.87 $74,610
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $45.26 $46.48 $96,690
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators $34.33 $41.55 $86,430
Paralegals and Legal Assistants $26.29 $27.40 $56,990
Court Reporters $28.52 $30.11 $62,640
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $18.22 $19.89 $41,370
Legal Support Workers, All Other $25.53 $28.61 $59,510
Education, Training, and Library Occupations $23.48 $27.41 $57,010
Business Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $119,810
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $89,290
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $78,880
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $73,870
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $120,740
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $87,390
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $83,780
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $96,590
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $96,330
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $92,530
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $89,040
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $87,810
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $71,770
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $137,920
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $82,530
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $90,250
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $89,680
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $87,710
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other (4) (4) $58,110
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $136,670
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $72,450
Education Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $65,020
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $78,830
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $66,980
Law Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $156,000
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $54,580
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $78,700
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $85,310
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $81,700
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $73,350
History Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $88,590
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $78,010
Graduate Teaching Assistants (4) (4) $40,080
Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $74,490
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary (4) (4) $60,080
Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary $23.57 $26.35 $54,810
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $13.64 $15.27 $31,750
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education (4) (4) $55,850
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (4) (4) $62,620
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (4) (4) $66,630
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School (4) (4) $69,050
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (4) (4) $68,380
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School (4) (4) $63,430
Special Education Teachers, Preschool (4) (4) $59,450
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School (4) (4) $65,430
Special Education Teachers, Middle School (4) (4) $62,160
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School (4) (4) $68,560
Special Education Teachers, All Other (4) (4) $59,400
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors $26.42 $30.74 $63,940
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers $16.47 $18.47 $38,420
Teachers and Instructors, All Other, Except Substitute Teachers (4) (4) $50,950
Substitute Teachers $14.92 $18.56 $38,610
Archivists $28.38 $29.20 $60,730
Curators $29.80 $31.84 $66,230
Museum Technicians and Conservators $18.61 $20.23 $42,070
Librarians $25.45 $27.08 $56,320
Library Technicians $16.20 $17.40 $36,180
Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists $25.94 $27.19 $56,540
Farm and Home Management Advisors $17.35 $18.72 $38,940
Instructional Coordinators $29.98 $32.12 $66,810
Teacher Assistants (4) (4) $27,470
Education, Training, and Library Workers, All Other $14.87 $16.42 $34,160
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations $21.81 $25.66 $53,380
Art Directors $40.87 $44.56 $92,680
Craft Artists $30.83 $28.90 $60,110
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $26.31 $25.08 $52,160
Multimedia Artists and Animators $27.18 $28.80 $59,890
Artists and Related Workers, All Other $23.92 $27.79 $57,790
Commercial and Industrial Designers $29.78 $32.07 $66,710
Fashion Designers (8) (8) (8)
Floral Designers $11.67 $12.94 $26,910
Graphic Designers $25.11 $26.88 $55,910
Interior Designers $25.83 $29.81 $62,010
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $12.42 $15.08 $31,360
Set and Exhibit Designers $24.63 $26.26 $54,620
Designers, All Other $32.34 $37.75 $78,530
Actors (8) (8) (8)
Producers and Directors $28.56 $36.52 $75,970
Athletes and Sports Competitors (8) (8) (8)
Coaches and Scouts (4) (4) $38,160
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (4) (4) $35,450
Dancers $11.29 $17.25 (4)
Choreographers $16.91 $17.33 $36,050
Music Directors and Composers $20.17 $22.24 $46,260
Musicians and Singers $18.22 $24.23 (4)
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other $27.98 $36.34 (4)
Radio and Television Announcers $13.98 $22.13 $46,040
Public Address System and Other Announcers (8) (8) (8)
Broadcast News Analysts $25.50 $34.16 $71,040
Reporters and Correspondents $15.78 $21.17 $44,040
Public Relations Specialists $28.40 $30.59 $63,620
Editors $26.87 $28.61 $59,510
Technical Writers $32.28 $32.41 $67,410
Writers and Authors $28.34 $31.86 $66,260
Interpreters and Translators $21.90 $22.76 $47,340
Media and Communication Workers, All Other $29.14 $28.23 $58,720
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians $17.50 $19.60 $40,770
Broadcast Technicians $20.11 $24.45 $50,860
Sound Engineering Technicians $23.41 $28.20 $58,660
Photographers $15.18 $17.16 $35,700
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture $21.49 $24.28 $50,490
Film and Video Editors $28.41 $29.94 $62,280
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $38.16 $36.80 $76,540
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations $31.13 $37.79 $78,610
Chiropractors $34.00 $41.74 $86,820
Dentists, General $63.36 $77.53 $161,270
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (5) (5) (5)
Orthodontists (5) $104.56 $217,490
Dentists, All Other Specialists $76.44 $75.42 $156,870
Dietitians and Nutritionists $27.56 $27.15 $56,480
Optometrists $52.58 $52.10 $108,370
Pharmacists $59.21 $57.83 $120,280
Anesthesiologists (5) $124.77 $259,520
Family and General Practitioners (5) $105.91 $220,290
Internists, General (5) $103.88 $216,070
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (5) $99.27 $206,490
Pediatricians, General $72.47 $76.53 $159,180
Surgeons (5) $118.39 $246,250
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other $94.78 $92.04 $191,440
Physician Assistants $49.67 $50.35 $104,730
Podiatrists $81.52 $92.40 $192,180
Occupational Therapists $39.76 $39.56 $82,290
Physical Therapists $43.06 $43.29 $90,040
Radiation Therapists $39.70 $40.69 $84,640
Recreational Therapists $22.20 $23.36 $48,590
Respiratory Therapists $27.17 $27.36 $56,910
Speech-Language Pathologists $37.30 $37.87 $78,760
Exercise Physiologists $25.20 $26.10 $54,300
Therapists, All Other $26.66 $26.73 $55,590
Veterinarians $42.26 $46.36 $96,440
Registered Nurses $33.74 $34.66 $72,090
Nurse Anesthetists $84.10 $79.23 $164,790
Nurse Midwives $41.32 $41.33 $85,970
Nurse Practitioners $47.78 $49.02 $101,960
Audiologists $38.02 $46.74 $97,230
Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other $30.67 $32.52 $67,650
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $26.02 $26.13 $54,340
Dental Hygienists $35.35 $34.58 $71,930
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $27.59 $28.67 $59,630
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $35.94 $35.74 $74,340
Nuclear Medicine Technologists $37.86 $38.19 $79,440
Radiologic Technologists $29.79 $30.34 $63,100
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $33.81 $33.93 $70,580
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics $15.20 $19.93 $41,460
Dietetic Technicians $10.61 $11.69 $24,320
Pharmacy Technicians $15.05 $15.67 $32,590
Psychiatric Technicians $19.83 $20.88 $43,420
Respiratory Therapy Technicians $24.60 $24.81 $51,610
Surgical Technologists $21.89 $22.47 $46,730
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $15.50 $16.97 $35,290
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $17.17 $17.93 $37,290
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $23.27 $23.71 $49,320
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians $19.02 $20.75 $43,150
Opticians, Dispensing $16.04 $17.68 $36,770
Orthotists and Prosthetists $40.37 $39.60 $82,380
Hearing Aid Specialists $21.75 $22.58 $46,970
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $20.35 $22.09 $45,940
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $36.20 $36.35 $75,610
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $26.11 $29.68 $61,740
Athletic Trainers (4) (4) $45,440
Genetic Counselors $38.08 $38.40 $79,860
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $19.67 $25.57 $53,190
Healthcare Support Occupations $13.31 $15.10 $31,410
Home Health Aides $11.19 $11.70 $24,340
Psychiatric Aides $11.32 $12.54 $26,080
Nursing Assistants $12.75 $13.35 $27,770
Orderlies $13.93 $15.38 $31,990
Occupational Therapy Assistants $29.29 $29.74 $61,860
Occupational Therapy Aides $12.81 $15.55 $32,330
Physical Therapist Assistants $27.83 $27.77 $57,750
Physical Therapist Aides $14.70 $19.13 $39,780
Massage Therapists $20.03 $21.86 $45,460
Dental Assistants $18.69 $18.76 $39,030
Medical Assistants $16.03 $16.69 $34,710
Medical Equipment Preparers $16.24 $16.79 $34,910
Medical Transcriptionists $15.46 $15.53 $32,310
Pharmacy Aides $13.97 $14.57 $30,300
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $12.65 $13.36 $27,780
Phlebotomists $16.51 $16.91 $35,180
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $19.56 $19.62 $40,810
Protective Service Occupations $20.68 $25.06 $52,130
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $38.04 $40.52 $84,290
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $50.79 $48.67 $101,240
First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers $45.85 $44.20 $91,930
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $19.88 $22.25 $46,280
Firefighters $24.93 $26.59 $55,300
Fire Inspectors and Investigators $27.37 $28.17 $58,590
Bailiffs $16.35 $17.82 $37,070
Correctional Officers and Jailers $27.46 $26.96 $56,070
Detectives and Criminal Investigators $41.77 $43.70 $90,890
Fish and Game Wardens $43.58 $42.37 $88,120
Parking Enforcement Workers $22.78 $22.46 $46,710
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $38.43 $35.52 $73,870
Transit and Railroad Police $32.94 $32.99 $68,610
Animal Control Workers $16.98 $18.06 $37,570
Private Detectives and Investigators $25.87 $28.03 $58,290
Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators $16.29 $16.88 $35,110
Security Guards $14.00 $15.43 $32,090
Crossing Guards $14.56 $15.79 $32,840
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $9.66 $11.41 $23,730
Transportation Security Screeners $19.74 $19.91 $41,410
Protective Service Workers, All Other $11.22 $13.40 $27,870
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations $10.04 $11.52 $23,960
Chefs and Head Cooks $20.98 $22.91 $47,660
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $14.33 $16.09 $33,460
Cooks, Fast Food $9.52 $10.27 $21,370
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $12.41 $13.15 $27,350
Cooks, Restaurant $12.05 $12.58 $26,160
Cooks, Short Order $11.13 $11.48 $23,880
Cooks, All Other $12.49 $13.30 $27,670
Food Preparation Workers $10.90 $11.44 $23,790
Bartenders $9.35 $11.97 $24,890
Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food $9.67 $10.29 $21,400
Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop $10.06 $11.01 $22,890
Waiters and Waitresses $9.40 $11.38 $23,680
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $10.48 $11.36 $23,630
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $9.33 $10.19 $21,200
Dishwashers $10.23 $10.84 $22,550
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $10.28 $10.75 $22,360
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $10.99 $11.52 $23,960
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations $13.25 $14.74 $30,650
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $19.68 $21.86 $45,460
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $24.04 $26.10 $54,280
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $13.10 $14.35 $29,850
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $11.58 $12.81 $26,650
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $28.50 $26.92 $56,000
Pest Control Workers $15.68 $18.09 $37,630
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $13.66 $14.81 $30,800
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $17.30 $18.04 $37,520
Tree Trimmers and Pruners $27.47 $25.03 $52,060
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $12.31 $14.71 $30,590
Personal Care and Service Occupations $11.10 $13.25 $27,560
First-Line Supervisors of Gaming Workers $25.54 $24.05 $50,030
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $18.76 $20.34 $42,300
Animal Trainers $12.62 $18.68 $38,860
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers $10.62 $11.57 $24,060
Gaming Dealers $9.35 $10.22 $21,260
Motion Picture Projectionists $9.69 $11.68 $24,280
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $9.64 $10.82 $22,500
Amusement and Recreation Attendants $10.32 $11.84 $24,620
Costume Attendants $19.31 $19.40 $40,340
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $10.41 $11.88 $24,710
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $9.57 $11.52 $23,950
Embalmers $20.32 $23.45 $48,770
Funeral Attendants $11.41 $12.31 $25,600
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors $29.42 $33.56 $69,800
Barbers $21.12 $21.53 $44,770
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $11.83 $13.99 $29,100
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance $45.73 $44.68 $92,940
Manicurists and Pedicurists $10.91 $11.35 $23,610
Shampooers $9.70 $10.11 $21,020
Skincare Specialists $13.80 $15.83 $32,920
Baggage Porters and Bellhops $11.38 $12.71 $26,430
Concierges $15.58 $15.49 $32,220
Tour and Travel Guides $12.77 $13.42 $27,920
Childcare Workers $10.77 $11.40 $23,720
Personal Care Aides $10.83 $11.08 $23,050
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors $18.62 $21.40 $44,500
Recreation Workers $10.73 $12.53 $26,060
Residential Advisors $12.50 $13.85 $28,810
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $10.67 $12.28 $25,550
Sales and Related Occupations $13.25 $20.15 $41,920
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $18.09 $20.47 $42,570
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $31.82 $35.06 $72,920
Cashiers $9.92 $10.63 $22,110
Gaming Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $12.99 $13.64 $28,370
Counter and Rental Clerks $10.91 $12.56 $26,130
Parts Salespersons $13.84 $15.68 $32,620
Retail Salespersons $11.04 $13.51 $28,100
Advertising Sales Agents $23.12 $25.93 $53,940
Insurance Sales Agents $22.03 $31.77 $66,080
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $30.86 $41.38 $86,070
Travel Agents $17.76 $19.95 $41,490
Sales Representatives, Services, All Other $23.96 $29.77 $61,930
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $35.91 $39.40 $81,950
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $27.97 $33.61 $69,900
Demonstrators and Product Promoters $13.44 $15.39 $32,020
Models $12.38 $11.54 $24,000
Real Estate Brokers $25.33 $41.47 $86,260
Real Estate Sales Agents $19.05 $28.37 $59,010
Sales Engineers $39.51 $47.48 $98,760
Telemarketers $11.79 $13.38 $27,840
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers $9.51 $10.42 $21,660
Sales and Related Workers, All Other $15.77 $17.53 $36,450
Office and Administrative Support Occupations $16.84 $18.38 $38,230
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $26.35 $27.94 $58,120
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $14.67 $15.73 $32,720
Telephone Operators $14.43 $16.64 $34,610
Communications Equipment Operators, All Other $20.57 $20.75 $43,160
Bill and Account Collectors $16.85 $17.67 $36,760
Billing and Posting Clerks $18.13 $19.18 $39,900
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $19.13 $19.64 $40,860
Gaming Cage Workers $12.85 $13.46 $28,010
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $21.53 $21.86 $45,470
Procurement Clerks $21.19 $21.79 $45,320
Tellers $13.16 $13.77 $28,650
Financial Clerks, All Other $19.82 $21.19 $44,080
Brokerage Clerks $25.02 $27.53 $57,260
Correspondence Clerks $17.74 $17.54 $36,480
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $18.61 $19.65 $40,880
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $20.50 $21.86 $45,470
Customer Service Representatives $16.41 $17.81 $37,040
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $24.12 $24.30 $50,550
File Clerks $16.43 $17.67 $36,760
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $10.80 $11.68 $24,300
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $15.88 $16.13 $33,560
Library Assistants, Clerical $12.74 $13.77 $28,640
Loan Interviewers and Clerks $20.23 $20.64 $42,940
New Accounts Clerks $17.49 $18.56 $38,600
Order Clerks $17.31 $17.73 $36,880
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $19.40 $19.79 $41,150
Receptionists and Information Clerks $13.55 $14.41 $29,970
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $21.26 $20.91 $43,500
Information and Record Clerks, All Other $21.57 $21.97 $45,700
Cargo and Freight Agents $18.91 $19.67 $40,910
Couriers and Messengers $13.21 $13.88 $28,870
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers $22.87 $24.07 $50,060
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $20.76 $22.02 $45,790
Meter Readers, Utilities $21.69 $23.59 $49,060
Postal Service Clerks $28.15 $23.71 $49,310
Postal Service Mail Carriers $27.82 $24.11 $50,160
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $27.53 $23.95 $49,820
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $21.95 $23.27 $48,390
Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks $15.63 $16.73 $34,800
Stock Clerks and Order Fillers $12.02 $13.66 $28,410
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $16.33 $17.32 $36,030
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $26.30 $26.82 $55,770
Legal Secretaries $22.08 $23.40 $48,670
Medical Secretaries $16.23 $16.74 $34,820
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $16.83 $17.64 $36,700
Computer Operators $23.55 $23.08 $48,010
Data Entry Keyers $15.23 $16.32 $33,950
Word Processors and Typists $20.69 $21.88 $45,520
Desktop Publishers $21.37 $21.68 $45,100
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $20.20 $20.87 $43,410
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $12.46 $13.78 $28,650
Office Clerks, General $16.21 $17.49 $36,370
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $18.67 $20.07 $41,750
Proofreaders and Copy Markers $23.32 $23.43 $48,720
Statistical Assistants $24.49 $26.08 $54,250
Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $18.12 $19.07 $39,670
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations $14.12 $15.67 $32,590
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $18.91 $20.45 $42,540
Agricultural Inspectors $25.39 $26.03 $54,140
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $11.50 $12.15 $25,280
Agricultural Equipment Operators $16.38 $16.72 $34,790
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $13.00 $13.79 $28,680
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $13.00 $13.80 $28,700
Agricultural Workers, All Other $14.35 $14.19 $29,520
Forest and Conservation Workers $17.43 $18.47 $38,420
Fallers $21.53 $28.20 $58,650
Construction and Extraction Occupations $31.55 $31.44 $65,390
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $41.30 $39.50 $82,160
Boilermakers $37.29 $36.69 $76,310
Brickmasons and Blockmasons $33.89 $33.60 $69,880
Stonemasons $33.58 $31.24 $64,980
Carpenters $29.88 $30.53 $63,510
Carpet Installers $16.57 $18.97 $39,460
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $29.11 $28.37 $59,020
Floor Sanders and Finishers $28.02 $27.15 $56,470
Tile and Marble Setters $21.88 $23.07 $47,980
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $35.50 $32.58 $67,760
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers $20.37 $21.73 $45,210
Construction Laborers $25.79 $27.55 $57,310
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $21.98 $25.87 $53,810
Pile-Driver Operators $42.33 $39.47 $82,100
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $38.68 $35.76 $74,380
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $28.67 $29.19 $60,720
Tapers $40.74 $36.18 $75,250
Electricians $37.19 $35.58 $74,010
Glaziers $35.80 $33.46 $69,590
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $33.66 $32.31 $67,200
Insulation Workers, Mechanical $34.39 $30.60 $63,640
Painters, Construction and Maintenance $20.50 $24.00 $49,910
Pipelayers $34.28 $32.94 $68,520
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $39.60 $37.29 $77,570
Plasterers and Stucco Masons $35.29 $34.51 $71,790
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $44.00 $41.49 $86,290
Roofers $27.02 $28.28 $58,820
Sheet Metal Workers $38.55 $34.46 $71,680
Structural Iron and Steel Workers $43.51 $41.70 $86,740
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $18.02 $21.50 $44,710
Helpers--Carpenters $12.55 $15.59 $32,420
Helpers--Electricians $14.54 $15.22 $31,660
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $14.92 $19.07 $39,670
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $13.61 $13.81 $28,730
Helpers--Roofers $26.05 $24.02 $49,960
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $15.29 $21.42 $44,560
Construction and Building Inspectors $30.38 $30.84 $64,150
Elevator Installers and Repairers $45.57 $42.47 $88,340
Fence Erectors $15.27 $19.44 $40,440
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $22.17 $24.58 $51,120
Highway Maintenance Workers $23.24 $22.76 $47,350
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $26.27 $26.25 $54,600
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $23.29 $23.56 $49,000
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $40.50 $34.64 $72,050
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $17.77 $18.33 $38,120
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $22.42 $23.90 $49,720
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining $18.73 $20.29 $42,200
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $19.91 $22.81 $47,430
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $28.63 $30.25 $62,910
Continuous Mining Machine Operators $27.14 $26.60 $55,330
Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators $21.19 $22.24 $46,250
Mining Machine Operators, All Other $34.40 $33.25 $69,160
Rock Splitters, Quarry $16.81 $19.20 $39,940
Roof Bolters, Mining $28.32 $28.32 $58,900
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $16.63 $16.30 $33,900
Helpers--Extraction Workers $20.04 $20.17 $41,950
Extraction Workers, All Other $17.37 $18.48 $38,440
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations $22.66 $23.93 $49,780
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $31.12 $31.94 $66,430
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $17.18 $18.36 $38,180
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $22.43 $23.67 $49,240
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $27.77 $27.68 $57,580
Avionics Technicians $18.35 $22.75 $47,320
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $33.05 $30.67 $63,800
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $25.22 $25.99 $54,060
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $26.96 $26.91 $55,970
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $39.08 $39.23 $81,590
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $18.18 $20.10 $41,810
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers $20.08 $23.07 $47,990
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $21.89 $22.33 $46,440
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $30.13 $29.14 $60,610
Automotive Body and Related Repairers $22.14 $22.99 $47,810
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $16.95 $18.09 $37,630
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $20.01 $21.66 $45,060
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $24.84 $25.30 $52,630
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $19.34 $20.12 $41,850
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $28.17 $28.34 $58,950
Rail Car Repairers $26.53 $25.95 $53,990
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $17.33 $18.00 $37,450
Motorcycle Mechanics $18.53 $18.67 $38,840
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $17.41 $18.06 $37,560
Bicycle Repairers $14.41 $15.02 $31,240
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $16.68 $16.56 $34,450
Tire Repairers and Changers $13.40 $13.97 $29,060
Mechanical Door Repairers $20.98 $24.70 $51,370
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $30.40 $31.23 $64,960
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $28.91 $30.02 $62,430
Home Appliance Repairers $21.17 $22.66 $47,140
Industrial Machinery Mechanics $26.20 $26.89 $55,930
Maintenance Workers, Machinery $23.74 $24.09 $50,100
Millwrights $30.91 $28.20 $58,660
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons $23.93 $23.66 $49,210
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $33.60 $32.42 $67,430
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $32.38 $29.43 $61,210
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers $14.08 $15.52 $32,280
Medical Equipment Repairers $27.98 $28.04 $58,310
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners (8) (8) (8)
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $30.77 $30.85 $64,170
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $19.48 $20.91 $43,490
Wind Turbine Service Technicians (8) (8) (8)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $17.20 $17.25 $35,890
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $21.48 $21.87 $45,490
Riggers $22.37 $25.42 $52,880
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $13.90 $14.98 $31,160
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $21.89 $23.45 $48,780
Production Occupations $16.19 $18.13 $37,700
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $28.21 $29.32 $60,990
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $24.35 $24.72 $51,410
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $14.17 $15.04 $31,280
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $15.04 $15.97 $33,220
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $21.14 $21.17 $44,040
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $18.64 $20.50 $42,630
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $14.88 $15.78 $32,820
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters $18.92 $20.31 $42,240
Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other, Including Team Assemblers $13.74 $15.20 $31,620
Bakers $11.72 $12.79 $26,610
Butchers and Meat Cutters $13.98 $15.21 $31,640
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $12.78 $13.06 $27,160
Slaughterers and Meat Packers $13.78 $13.94 $28,990
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $13.12 $14.44 $30,030
Food Batchmakers $12.35 $14.68 $30,530
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $13.70 $14.51 $30,180
Food Processing Workers, All Other $11.30 $11.86 $24,670
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic $18.01 $18.89 $39,290
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic $26.16 $26.72 $55,590
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $17.31 $18.59 $38,660
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $18.61 $18.67 $38,840
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $16.27 $18.30 $38,060
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $17.02 $17.82 $37,070
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $21.23 $20.62 $42,880
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $17.15 $18.18 $37,820
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $19.99 $20.34 $42,300
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $16.81 $18.27 $37,990
Machinists $17.89 $19.37 $40,290
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $21.82 $21.63 $44,990
Pourers and Casters, Metal $23.03 $23.85 $49,600
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic $27.02 $27.45 $57,100
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic $27.94 $27.05 $56,260
Foundry Mold and Coremakers $20.81 $21.66 $45,060
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $18.30 $19.02 $39,560
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $16.50 $17.13 $35,630
Tool and Die Makers $25.73 $26.29 $54,680
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $18.88 $19.74 $41,050
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $18.41 $18.71 $38,920
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $17.79 $18.13 $37,720
Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $15.12 $16.00 $33,270
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $21.75 $21.53 $44,770
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $18.03 $18.81 $39,120
Prepress Technicians and Workers $19.99 $21.45 $44,610
Printing Press Operators $19.48 $20.40 $42,430
Print Binding and Finishing Workers $15.61 $16.54 $34,390
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $10.25 $10.92 $22,710
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $10.14 $10.31 $21,450
Sewing Machine Operators $13.53 $14.13 $29,400
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $14.91 $14.24 $29,620
Sewers, Hand $9.77 $11.87 $24,690
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $13.85 $16.99 $35,330
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $14.57 $15.29 $31,800
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $15.61 $16.13 $33,550
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $13.13 $13.92 $28,960
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $14.33 $14.44 $30,040
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $15.08 $16.16 $33,620
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers $16.81 $20.43 $42,500
Upholsterers $14.64 $14.91 $31,010
Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $11.33 $13.49 $28,060
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $17.30 $18.65 $38,790
Furniture Finishers $16.66 $16.43 $34,180
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $16.44 $16.38 $34,070
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $14.51 $15.16 $31,530
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators $45.78 $46.60 $96,930
Power Distributors and Dispatchers $41.09 $40.78 $84,830
Power Plant Operators $37.95 $38.03 $79,100
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $39.38 $38.02 $79,090
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $26.42 $26.23 $54,560
Chemical Plant and System Operators $24.43 $26.40 $54,920
Gas Plant Operators $33.05 $33.71 $70,130
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $31.77 $32.00 $66,550
Plant and System Operators, All Other $27.01 $27.32 $56,830
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $20.04 $21.86 $45,460
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $19.32 $22.22 $46,210
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $15.53 $17.75 $36,920
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $13.84 $14.47 $30,100
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $18.73 $20.18 $41,970
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $14.22 $15.49 $32,220
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $16.72 $17.25 $35,880
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $17.77 $18.60 $38,680
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $16.34 $16.16 $33,620
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $17.72 $19.48 $40,510
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $14.32 $17.01 $35,380
Dental Laboratory Technicians $18.67 $19.81 $41,210
Medical Appliance Technicians $18.81 $18.84 $39,180
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $16.02 $18.06 $37,570
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $14.81 $16.03 $33,350
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $17.22 $17.87 $37,170
Painters, Transportation Equipment $20.36 $21.75 $45,230
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $17.79 $19.85 $41,300
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $14.92 $17.21 $35,790
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $16.71 $17.38 $36,160
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $13.34 $14.17 $29,480
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $13.71 $14.51 $30,170
Etchers and Engravers $13.24 $14.80 $30,790
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $15.85 $17.29 $35,970
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $17.65 $17.84 $37,110
Helpers--Production Workers $13.64 $14.57 $30,300
Production Workers, All Other $14.24 $16.23 $33,760
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations $14.85 $18.17 $37,800
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $23.79 $25.23 $52,480
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $25.33 $26.48 $55,070
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (4) (4) $146,150
Commercial Pilots (4) (4) $104,420
Air Traffic Controllers $71.22 $66.12 $137,520
Airfield Operations Specialists $29.55 $28.75 $59,800
Flight Attendants (4) (4) $49,420
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $10.55 $11.61 $24,150
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $25.49 $26.01 $54,090
Bus Drivers, School or Special Client $16.05 $16.57 $34,470
Driver/Sales Workers $9.53 $12.44 $25,880
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $22.61 $22.95 $47,730
Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers $16.02 $17.73 $36,890
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs $12.04 $13.07 $27,180
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $11.87 $16.81 $34,970
Locomotive Engineers $33.04 $34.59 $71,960
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers $25.73 $26.34 $54,790
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators $28.04 $29.13 $60,590
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $30.01 $31.60 $65,740
Subway and Streetcar Operators $34.78 $33.59 $69,870
Sailors and Marine Oilers $21.56 $23.58 $49,040
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $20.14 $30.72 $63,890
Motorboat Operators $28.76 $30.17 $62,750
Bridge and Lock Tenders $27.50 $29.91 $62,220
Parking Lot Attendants $11.45 $13.20 $27,450
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $11.55 $13.14 $27,340
Traffic Technicians $24.90 $26.13 $54,350
Transportation Inspectors $41.74 $41.73 $86,790
Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants $10.55 $11.06 $23,010
Transportation Workers, All Other $26.95 $24.62 $51,220
Conveyor Operators and Tenders $14.77 $15.34 $31,910
Crane and Tower Operators $22.04 $25.95 $53,980
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators $25.04 $27.36 $56,910
Hoist and Winch Operators (8) (8) (8)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $16.36 $17.35 $36,080
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $11.07 $13.58 $28,250
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $12.20 $13.97 $29,050
Machine Feeders and Offbearers $16.37 $16.73 $34,800
Packers and Packagers, Hand $11.12 $12.31 $25,610
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators $31.69 $30.15 $62,720
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $19.74 $24.77 $51,520
Wellhead Pumpers $14.51 $16.06 $33,400
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $25.45 $25.18 $52,370
Mine Shuttle Car Operators $27.86 $27.37 $56,930
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $20.81 $21.86 $45,470
Material Moving Workers, All Other $18.98 $20.71 $43,080

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Illinois

Occupation Projected Growth
Operations Research Analysts 33.16%
Web Developers 32.42%
Software Developers, Applications 26.16%
Home Health Aides 25.62%
Occupational Therapy Aides 25.0%
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 24.73%
Nurse Practitioners 24.53%
Computer Systems Analysts 24.49%
Occupational Therapy Assistants 24.31%
Software Developers, Systems Software 22.83%

Cost of Illinois College Education & Salaries

An Illinois bachelor's degree is not a cheap proposition. Those four or more years of study often mean that you aren't able to work full-time and that you graduate with a large amount of debt. That might seem daunting. However, consider that there are ways to ameliorate your tuition and other expenses.

One way to offset college expenses is by starting out at a community college. You can complete your core curriculum at a two-year school and then save the more expensive courses for when you move up to a four-year institution. It's also important to remain in-state for public education. When you travel out-of-state for your bachelor's degree you are likely to be charged two or even three times the in-state tuition. For the same money you could pay for a private school education.

Yet another tactic to employ when reducing the cost of your Illinois bachelor's degree is applying for scholarships. Many students overlook this possibility, or erroneously assume that scholarships aren't for them. Thus, lots of money is left lying on the table every year. Plus, consider the prestige that comes with a scholarship. Even if an award barely dents the bill for your books and materials, you will enter the job market with an award on your resume that someone else didn't feel was worth their time.

Finally, take a look at how much more you stand to earn with a bachelor's degree than without. Your job satisfaction level may be higher as well. You could perhaps find happiness installing electrical devices in residences, but it would probably be far more gratifying to install a communications infrastructure as an Electrical Engineer. That sort of satisfaction is priceless.

College Cost Analysis - Illinois vs National

Average Illinois Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $13,900

National – $10,000

Out-of-State – $24,600

National – $25,600

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Illinois is among the top five states with the most financial aid. In Illinois, 62% of all FAFSA applicants receive aid for their bachelor's (or other) degrees. Of those that receive aid, 276,800 qualify for grants which need not be repaid. Meanwhile, 353,500 students take out loans at a rate of $12,600 per student. However, keep in mind that Illinois is a highly populated state that places a high value on education.

Financial Aid Illinois Nationally
Received Federal Grants 36% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $11,426 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Illinois College Tuition Costs Vs Salary Potential

Helping You Maximize Your Education Earnings

Illinois Colleges Tuition & Fees In State Tuition & Fees Out Of state Books & Supplies Room & Board Campus Room & Board Off Campus Graduation Rate Grads Median Salary
Illinois Institute of Technology $45,864 $45,864 $1,250 $13,007 $10,800 72% $69,100
Northwestern University $52,678 $52,678 $1,660 $16,047 $16,047 93% $69,000
University of Chicago $56,034 $56,034 $1,800 $15,726 n/a 93% $68,100
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign $15,074 $31,194 $1,200 $11,308 n/a 85% $61,500
University of Illinois at Chicago $13,704 $26,560 $1,400 $11,930 $10,900 59% $54,300
Loyola University Chicago $43,078 $43,078 $1,200 $14,080 $11,500 74% $54,100
Bradley University $32,930 $32,930 $1,200 $10,310 $10,310 74% $53,600
DePaul University $39,010 $39,010 $1,104 $13,797 $13,797 73% $53,300
Lake Forest College $45,548 $45,548 $10,052 $10,052 $10,052 71% $50,900
Wheaton College $35,190 $35,190 $800 $9,806 $9,806 90% $48,400

**Salary after attending is a median salary, your degree and field can affect your median salary.

Best Scholarships for Illinois

Scholarships and grants are a tremendous benefit for a few reasons. Most obviously, they provide much-needed funds to help pay for tuition, books, and even room and board. Secondly, it is an achievement to receive a scholarship or grant and thus will be a happy addition to your resume. So, while you may only receive a few hundred dollars of scholarship money, it may just continue paying dividends in the long-run. Here are a few scholarships for Illinois students:

  • CFNI
  • SMCC
  • QCS
  • JFA
  • SWE
CFNI_logo

CFNI

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

https://www.cfnil.org/scholarships/
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline: February 1
The CFNIL is a philanthropic organization that manages a wide range of scholarships for students in the state. They maintain scholarships that help firefighters, engineers, musicians, architects, and many more. Many of the scholarships are only available for students in Northern Illinois towns and counties such as Rockford, Winnebago County, Boone, Rochelle, Pecatonica, and Hononegah, to name a few. If you are headed to college from Northern Illinois, you should check it out.

SMCC_logo

SMCC

The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship

http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31
The American Radio Relay League offers a scholarship to students who hold Amateur Radio licenses in Illinois. The award is $500 and is awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. You can apply no matter what level of undergraduate degree you are seeking.

QCS

Chapter 23 - Quad Cities Scholarship

https://www.smeef.org/sme-education-foundation-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/
Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Deadline: February 1
If you seek a bachelor's degree in a field related to manufacturing, engineering, manufacturing technology, or integrated manufacturing systems, this award can help with books, fees, or tuition. The first preference is to award the scholarship to an SME Student Chapter member, but students from Iowa or Illinois are welcome to apply.

JFA_logo

JFA

Jewish Federation Academic Scholarship

https://www.jcfs.org/jvsscholarships
Amount: $1,000-$8,000
Deadline: February 1
If you are Jewish and from Chicago, you can apply for this scholarship award. The Federation prefers to disburse funds to students who are studying in a career-oriented field such as engineering, law, fine arts, medicine, or business, among others. When you apply you should have plans to remain in the Chicago area, demonstrate financial need, and show career promise. The application requires an in-person interview in either March or April (ending the 20th.)

SWE_logo

SWE

The Society for Women Engineers Scholarships

http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/scholarships
Amount: $1,000-$15,000 (Some are renewable)
Deadline: May 1 (Freshman), February 15 (Sophomores-Graduate Students)
The Society for Women Engineers strives to promote women who seek to enter the field. To apply for one of their many scholarships, you should be in your final year of high school or a college student, enrolled or accepted to an ABET-accredited engineering program. To apply, submit two letters of recommendation, and your official academic transcripts.

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