Chief Executive Officer Salary in Illinois
Based on 5K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$331,920
$159.58/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+56.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$133K – $590K
5K employed in Illinois
Chief Executive Officer salary in Illinois averages $331,920 per year, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With 4,620 employed CEOs across Illinois, this figure represents a 56% premium compared to the national average, reflecting the state's robust business landscape and concentration of major corporate headquarters, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Chief Executive Officer compensation in Illinois varies considerably based on company size, industry sector, and organizational complexity. Salaries range from $133,170 to $589,720 annually, with larger corporations and established firms typically offering higher packages. Geographic factors within the state, the executive's experience level, and the specific industry—such as finance, technology, or manufacturing—significantly influence where individual compensation falls within this range.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $133,170 |
| 25th percentile | $186,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $331,920 |
| 75th percentile | $428,710 |
| 90th percentile | $589,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $220,390 |
| 2025 | $331,920 |
| 2026 (projected) | $351,835 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $220,390 | $168,969 |
| 2025 | $331,920 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $351,835 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $186,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $331,920 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $428,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $589,720 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Chief Executive Officer ($331,920 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in IL | $162,860 | -50.9% | $78.30/hr |
| Sales Manager in IL | $155,280 | -53.2% | $74.65/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IL | $153,370 | -53.8% | $73.74/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IL | $151,370 | -54.4% | $72.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IL | $131,990 | -60.2% | $63.46/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IL | $130,610 | -60.7% | $62.79/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IL | $127,270 | -61.7% | $61.19/hr |
| Construction Manager in IL | $109,160 | -67.1% | $52.48/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IL | $106,860 | -67.8% | $51.38/hr |
| Management Analyst in IL | $104,270 | -68.6% | $50.13/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IL | $103,570 | -68.8% | $49.79/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IL | $103,470 | -68.8% | $49.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in Illinois?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Illinois is $331,920 per year, or approximately $160 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 56.1% premium for Illinois-based executives.
What is the salary range for a CEO in Illinois?
- CEO salaries in Illinois range from $133,170 at the lower end to $589,720 at the upper end. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation based on company size, industry, and individual experience.
How many CEOs work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 4,620 Chief Executive Officers employed in Illinois. This represents a significant executive workforce across the state's various industries and organizations.
Is being a CEO in Illinois better paid than the national average?
- Yes, CEOs in Illinois earn 56.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $331,920 compared to the national median. This makes Illinois one of the higher-paying states for executive leadership positions.