Salaries in Waukegan, IL

Here’s the thing about Waukegan: for a city of nearly 90,000 people, its job market is quietly punching above its weight. You’ll find salaries here that can surprise you, especially if you’re coming from a bigger, more expensive metro.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 102.6, you’re paying about 2.6% more than the national average for everyday goods and services. But that $1,231 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment? That’s a significant relief compared to Chicago’s sky-high prices. A software developer earning the city’s top salary of $128,252 sees that number adjust to a still-strong $125,002 in real terms. It means your paycheck stretches further here than you might expect.

Waukegan’s economy is anchored by manufacturing and healthcare. You can’t talk about the city without mentioning the massive presence of industrial giants like Caterpillar and the healthcare demands of institutions like Vista Medical Center. This creates a steady demand for skilled trades, nurses, and accountants. It’s a blue-collar city with a white-collar undercurrent, and that mix keeps the local economy stable.

Here’s my honest take: the city’s average salary of $54,807 feels modest when you see the median household income is $72,841. That gap suggests many households rely on dual incomes or have been here for years. Wages aren't necessarily keeping pace with the slight cost-of-living creep. It’s a great spot if you’re in a high-demand field like software or healthcare, but you’ll feel the squeeze if you’re in a role with flatter pay growth.

The data below breaks down who’s earning what, and more importantly, what that money can actually do for you in this specific place.