What Is the Average Salary in Illinois by Age? How It Compares Nationally

Understanding how your paycheck stacks up against others at your career stage is crucial for financial planning. The average salary in Illinois by age varies significantly across different life stages, revealing important patterns about earnings growth, generational wealth, and geographic disparities. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or approaching retirement, knowing where Illinois stands in the national earnings landscape can help you assess your financial position.

Illinois Salary Breakdown Across Career Stages

Illinois residents see distinct earning patterns as they progress through their careers. Young workers aged 15 to 24 earn a median income of $39,545, providing an entry point into the workforce. The real transformation occurs in the 25 to 44 age bracket, where the average salary in Illinois by age jumps significantly to $86,623—more than doubling the starting income. This represents the peak earning potential for many Illinois professionals.

The 45 to 64 age group continues to earn solid incomes at $92,666, representing a steady increase from the previous stage. Workers in this bracket often occupy senior positions or have accumulated valuable experience. However, the decline becomes apparent once workers reach retirement age (65 and over), with median income dropping to $55,071. This shift reflects both the transition to fixed incomes like Social Security and pensions, and the reality that some retirees continue working part-time.

How Illinois Earnings Stack Up Against High-Paying States

When comparing Illinois to the national landscape, the state sits in the middle tier—neither leading nor lagging significantly. For the 25 to 44 age bracket, Illinois’s $86,623 median income falls below powerhouse states like California ($100,620), Massachusetts ($108,536), and Maryland ($98,953), but comfortably exceeds lower-earning states like Mississippi ($58,641), Louisiana ($64,889), and West Virginia ($64,761).

The disparity becomes even more pronounced in the prime earning years of 45 to 64. While Illinois workers earn $92,666, their counterparts in Maryland make $119,307, Connecticut earn $107,844, and New Jersey pull in $117,412. Yet Illinois also significantly outperforms states like Mississippi ($60,998), Kentucky ($70,914), and Oklahoma ($71,172). This geographic income gap reflects differences in cost of living, industry composition, and economic development across regions.

Interestingly, younger Illinois workers (15-24) earning $39,545 perform better compared to peers in several other states, but trail states like Alaska ($60,279), Nevada ($51,199), and New Hampshire ($58,255). This suggests Illinois offers reasonable entry-level opportunities despite not being in the highest tier nationally.

Why Age Matters: The Illinois Salary Progression Explained

The average salary in Illinois by age demonstrates a clear trajectory that mirrors national trends but with unique characteristics. The 81% increase from the youngest workers to the 25-44 age group indicates strong wage growth potential during early career years. This period typically coincides with skill development, credential acquisition, and career advancement.

Generation X in Illinois, who fall into the 45-64 age group, represents the highest-earning demographic in the state, aligning with national patterns. This generation has had maximum time to accumulate experience and climb career ladders. However, Gen Z workers, now entering the 15-24 age bracket, will need to observe whether their earnings trajectory matches previous generations or whether economic changes alter the traditional progression.

The retirement income drop in Illinois mirrors what occurs across America, though the specific amount depends heavily on pension systems, Social Security benefits, and individual savings. Some states like Hawaii show better retirement earnings ($77,957 for 65+), while others like Mississippi experience steeper declines ($41,013 for 65+), suggesting regional differences in retirement security.

Understanding Illinois in a Broader Context

Illinois’s position as a major Midwest economic hub influences its salary structure. The presence of Chicago’s financial district, manufacturing base, and diverse industries creates varied earning opportunities. For those considering relocation or evaluating their current compensation, the average salary in Illinois by age provides a useful benchmark.

The data reveals that Illinois workers in their peak earning years (45-64) command respect nationally, though they don’t dominate the highest-earning tier. This positioning makes Illinois an attractive location for many professionals—competitive salaries without the extreme cost-of-living pressures of places like California or Massachusetts. For young people starting careers, Illinois offers moderate opportunities, while retirees should plan carefully given the relatively modest retirement income levels compared to some peer states.

Data sourced from Scholaroo and accurate as of mid-2024. All figures represent median income across each age group in Illinois and comparative states.