Complete jobs in chicago guide. City of chicago jobs, chicago public schools careers, transit chicago, university of chicago, amazon chicago. Salary & how to apply. Free.
Last updated: April 2026. This guide covers jobs in chicago across city government, healthcare, education, tech, transportation, and private sector employers. It won’t help if you’re looking for jobs in the Chicago suburbs specifically, though many employers listed here serve the broader Chicagoland area.
city of chicago jobs are searched by 49,500 people every month. city of chicago careers gets the same. chicago public schools careers gets 18,100. transit chicago careers gets 18,100. university of chicago jobs gets 9,900.
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States with a metro area population of 9.5 million, and an economy that would rank among the top 20 nations if it were a country. The Chicago metro GDP exceeds $700 billion.
What makes Chicago’s job market different from New York or Los Angeles? Three things. First, the cost of living is dramatically lower, a dollar goes 30–40% further in Chicago than in Manhattan or San Francisco. Second, Chicago has unusually strong public sector employment, the city, county, state agencies, Chicago Public Schools, CTA, and public hospitals collectively employ hundreds of thousands. Third, Chicago’s industry mix is genuinely diverse, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, tech, food service, and professional services all operate at massive scale.
This guide covers every major Chicago job category with exact pay, how to apply, and which positions are worth pursuing.
city of chicago jobs: the largest municipal employer
why city of chicago careers matter
city of chicago jobs and city of chicago careers are both searched 49,500 times monthly with a keyword difficulty of just 1. That’s enormous interest with almost no competition for the search term.
The City of Chicago employs over 35,000 people across 40+ departments and agencies. city of chicago job openings span everything from desk jobs to outdoor labor, and the benefits package includes a pension that private employers simply can’t match.
To apply for any city of chicago job opportunities, visit chicago.gov/careers. The city uses an online application system. Some positions require civil service exams; others are direct-hire.
city of chicago careers departments and pay
Chicago Police Department (CPD) Police Officer starting salary: $55,000–$60,000/year After 18 months: $85,000+/year With overtime and special assignments: $100,000–$140,000+/year Detectives, sergeants, and command staff earn significantly more. CPD pension after 20 years of service.
Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Firefighter/Paramedic starting salary: $55,000–$60,000/year After 18 months: $85,000+/year With overtime: $100,000–$120,000+/year CFD also hires paramedics, fire inspectors, and administrative staff.
Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation Equipment operators, laborers, and tree trimmers. Starting: $42,000–$55,000/year. Topped-out with overtime: $65,000–$80,000/year. Physical outdoor work year-round (yes, including Chicago winters).
Chicago Department of Water Management Water system operators, pipe layers, and engineers. Starting: $45,000–$65,000/year. Engineers: $70,000–$110,000/year. One of the largest water systems in the world.
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Engineers, planners, and construction inspectors managing Chicago’s streets, bridges, and infrastructure. Engineers: $65,000–$110,000/year.
Chicago Department of Buildings Building inspectors, plan reviewers, and code enforcement. Inspectors: $55,000–$85,000/year.
Administrative and office positions across all departments Clerks, analysts, coordinators, and managers. Starting: $38,000–$55,000/year. Senior: $65,000–$100,000/year.
city of chicago careers benefits
Pension: Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. After qualifying service, retirees receive guaranteed monthly pension payments for life. Police and fire have separate, often more generous pension funds.
Health insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision. The city covers a significant portion of premiums.
Paid time off: Vacation (10–25 days based on tenure), sick leave, 12 paid holidays, personal days.
Residency requirement: Most city of chicago jobs require Chicago residency. You must live within the city limits, not the suburbs. This is strictly enforced. Keep that in mind before you apply.
how to apply for city of chicago jobs
Step 1: Visit chicago.gov/careers (the official cityofchicago careers portal)
Step 2: Create a profile and search openings by department, title, or keyword
Step 3: Submit application. Some positions require:
- Civil service exam (police, fire, certain trade positions)
- Specific certifications or licenses
- Background check and drug test
Step 4: Interview process varies by department, typically one or two panel interviews
city of chicago job openings update regularly. Bookmark the page and check weekly for new postings.
chicago public schools careers: 40,000+ employees
CPS overview
chicago public schools careers and cps careers chicago are searched by 18,100 people monthly with KD of just 1. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the US with 600+ schools and over 40,000 employees.
cps jobs chicago positions and pay
Teacher: $60,000–$105,000+/year CPS teacher salaries are among the highest for public school teachers in the Midwest. Starting salary depends on degree level and experience. Teachers with a master’s degree and 10+ years can earn over $90,000. That’s genuinely competitive.
CPS teachers are represented by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), one of the strongest teachers’ unions in the country.
Teaching Assistant / Paraprofessional: $30,000–$42,000/year Support classroom teachers. No teaching license required, a high school diploma and passing a basic skills test qualifies you.
School Clerk: $35,000–$48,000/year Administrative support at individual schools.
School Counselor: $60,000–$95,000/year Master’s degree in counseling required.
Principal: $120,000–$170,000/year School leaders with full responsibility for school operations and student outcomes.
Central Office (Headquarters): $45,000–$130,000/year IT, finance, HR, communications, policy, and curriculum development. CPS central office is located at 42 W. Madison St in the Loop.
how to apply for chicago public schools jobs
Visit cps.edu/careers. chicago public schools taleo (the CPS application system) is searched by 14,800 people monthly with KD 0, so create an account on their Taleo-based system, search postings, and apply.
chicago public schools hiring runs year-round, but the heaviest hiring for teaching positions happens March–August for the following school year.
transit chicago careers: CTA jobs
CTA overview
transit chicago careers is searched by 18,100 people monthly (KD 3). The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the city’s buses and “L” trains, the iconic elevated and subway system.
CTA employs approximately 10,000 people and is one of Chicago’s largest and most stable employers.
chicago transit authority jobs positions and pay
Bus Operator: $20–$32/hour ($42,000–$67,000/year) Drive CTA buses across Chicago’s 129 bus routes. Starting pay increases over a 4-year scale. Full benefits from day one. CDL with passenger endorsement required, CTA provides training.
Rail Operator (“L” Train): $22–$35/hour ($46,000–$73,000/year) Operate trains on Chicago’s 8 rail lines (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow). One of the most sought-after chicago transit jobs.
Station Attendant: $18–$25/hour Staff CTA rail stations. Assist riders, manage fare equipment, and ensure station safety.
Mechanic (Bus/Rail): $28–$42/hour ($58,000–$87,000/year) Maintain and repair CTA’s fleet of 1,800+ buses and 1,200+ rail cars. Automotive/diesel mechanic or electrical skills required.
Track Worker: $22–$32/hour Maintain and repair CTA rail tracks. Physical outdoor work, often overnight shifts.
Administrative/IT: $50,000–$110,000/year Finance, HR, IT, planning, and engineering at CTA headquarters.
CTA benefits
Pension, health insurance, free CTA ridership for employees and family, paid vacation, and union representation (most positions).
how to apply for CTA jobs
Visit transitchicago.com/careers. chicago transit jobs are posted regularly. Bus and rail operator positions open periodically, and when they do, thousands apply. Monitor the site and apply immediately when positions open.
university of chicago jobs: world-class employer
UChicago overview
university of chicago jobs, university of chicago careers, and university of chicago employment are searched by 9,900 people monthly, all with KD of just 1. The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and one of the South Side’s largest employers.
university of chicago job openings
Academic positions: Professors, lecturers, researchers, postdocs. Salaries vary enormously by department, business school professors earn $200,000–$400,000+, humanities professors earn $80,000–$150,000.
Administrative staff: Admissions, financial aid, student affairs, development, communications. $45,000–$90,000/year.
Research staff: Lab technicians, research coordinators, data analysts, research scientists. $40,000–$100,000/year.
IT/Technology: Network engineers, software developers, security analysts. $60,000–$120,000/year.
Facilities and operations: Maintenance, security, dining services, event management. $35,000–$60,000/year.
university of chicago medicine jobs
university of chicago medicine jobs and university of chicago hospital jobs are searched by 3,600 people monthly (KD 5). UChicago Medicine is a world-renowned academic medical center on the South Side.
Registered Nurse: $70,000–$110,000/year Physician: $200,000–$500,000+/year (academic medical center salaries) Medical Assistant: $38,000–$50,000/year Research Nurse: $65,000–$95,000/year Administrative: $40,000–$75,000/year
For more healthcare positions, see our healthcare & nursing jobs guide.
how to apply
Visit uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com (UChicago’s Workday portal). u chicago jobs and u chicago careers (KD 0) also lead here.
chicago parks district jobs
parks and rec
chicago parks district jobs are searched by 6,600 people monthly with KD of just 1. The Chicago Park District manages 600+ parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 200+ fieldhouses, and dozens of pools, beaches, and recreational facilities.
Park Supervisor: $45,000–$70,000/year Recreation Leader: $16–$22/hour Lifeguard: $16–$20/hour (seasonal, May–September) Groundskeeper/Laborer: $18–$25/hour Recreation Instructor: $18–$28/hour (art, dance, sports, fitness) Administrative: $38,000–$65,000/year
chicago parks district jobs are ideal for people who want outdoor or community-focused work. Summer hiring (lifeguards, rec leaders, camp counselors) starts in March.
How to apply: Visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/careers-volunteer.
amazon jobs chicago
amazon jobs chicago and amazon careers chicago are searched by 6,600 people monthly (KD 2).
Amazon has a massive Chicago-area footprint:
Warehouse/Fulfillment: Multiple facilities across Chicagoland (Joliet, Matteson, Markham, Monee, University Park). Pay: $17–$24/hour + benefits from day one.
Delivery stations: Throughout Chicago city and suburbs. Delivery drivers through DSPs: $18–$25/hour.
Corporate offices: Amazon has corporate presence in Chicago for advertising, AWS, and operations. Corporate salaries: $80,000–$200,000+.
Amazon Fresh / Whole Foods: Multiple locations in Chicago. Pay: $15–$20/hour.
Apply at amazon.jobs and filter for Chicago, IL. Full Amazon breakdown: amazon jobs complete guide.
healthcare jobs in chicago
Chicago is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. Here are the major healthcare employers:
northwestern memorial hospital jobs chicago
northwestern memorial hospital jobs chicago and northwestern hospital jobs chicago are searched by 6,600 people monthly (KD 9). Northwestern Memorial is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the US by U.S. News & World Report.
Registered Nurse: $70,000–$110,000/year Physician: $200,000–$500,000+/year Medical Assistant: $38,000–$52,000/year Administrative: $40,000–$75,000/year
Apply at jobs.nm.org.
rush hospital chicago jobs
rush hospital chicago jobs (3,600/month, KD 7). Rush University Medical Center is another world-class Chicago hospital.
Similar pay ranges to Northwestern. Apply at rush.edu/careers.
other major Chicago healthcare employers
Advocate Aurora Health, largest health system in Illinois University of Chicago Medicine, academic medical center (covered above) Sinai Chicago, community health system Loyola Medicine, part of Trinity Health
For comprehensive healthcare career guidance, see our healthcare & nursing jobs guide.
loyola university chicago careers
loyola university chicago careers and loyola jobs chicago are searched by 2,900 people monthly (KD 1). Loyola is one of the largest Jesuit universities in the US with campuses in Rogers Park and the Gold Coast (Water Tower Campus).
Academic, administrative, research, student affairs, and IT positions. Benefits include tuition remission for employees and dependents, a benefit worth $40,000–$50,000/year per student. That alone makes Loyola worth a serious look.
Apply at careers.luc.edu.
tech jobs in chicago
Chicago’s tech scene has grown enormously. Major tech employers:
Salesforce, major presence in the Salesforce Tower (formerly Willis Tower) Google, growing Chicago office (Fulton Market) Amazon, AWS and advertising teams Microsoft, office in downtown Chicago. Full breakdown: microsoft careers guide Grubhub / Just Eat Takeaway, headquartered in Chicago Groupon, headquartered in Chicago Motorola Solutions, headquartered in Chicago McDonald’s, corporate HQ in West Loop (massive tech team) Boeing, global HQ in Arlington VA but significant Chicago presence United Airlines, headquartered at Willis Tower
marketing jobs chicago, marketing careers chicago (3,600/month, KD 10), Chicago’s marketing industry is strong, anchored by major agencies (Leo Burnett, DDB, FCB) and corporate marketing departments.
Here’s the thing about tech jobs chicago (1,600/month): they pay 10–15% less than San Francisco or NYC equivalents, but the cost of living difference more than compensates. A software engineer earning $140,000 in Chicago has roughly the same purchasing power as one earning $200,000 in San Francisco. That math is hard to argue with.
finance jobs in chicago
Chicago is a major financial center, especially for:
Trading and derivatives: CME Group (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) and Cboe Global Markets are headquartered here. Chicago is the derivatives trading capital of the world.
Investment management: Citadel, Ariel Investments, Northern Trust, Morningstar, Nuveen (TIAA).
Banking: BMO Harris (headquartered in Chicago), JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and every major bank has Chicago offices.
Insurance: Allstate (headquartered in Northbrook), CNA Financial, Aon (global HQ in London but major Chicago presence).
Finance salaries in Chicago:
- Investment Banking Analyst: $100,000–$180,000/year
- Trader: $80,000–$300,000+/year
- Financial Analyst: $55,000–$95,000/year
- Accountant (Big 4): $60,000–$80,000/year starting
hospitality and food service jobs in chicago
Chicago is a world-class food city. The restaurant and hospitality industry employs hundreds of thousands.
server jobs chicago (4,400/month, KD 6): Fine dining servers in River North, Gold Coast, and West Loop earn $50,000–$70,000/year with tips. Casual dining: $30,000–$45,000/year.
bartending jobs chicago (1,600/month, KD 7): Chicago bartenders at busy venues earn $45,000–$70,000/year with tips.
Hotel positions: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt (headquartered in Chicago!), Four Seasons, Peninsula, Waldorf Astoria. Hotel jobs range from front desk ($16–$22/hour) to management ($55,000–$120,000/year).
ups jobs chicago
ups jobs chicago and ups careers chicago (1,600/month, KD 6): UPS operates a massive sorting hub at CACH (Chicago Area Consolidation Hub) in Hodgkins, IL, one of the largest UPS facilities in the world.
UPS package handler: $16–$22/hour + $25,000 tuition reimbursement UPS driver (Chicago area): $30–$44/hour Full UPS details: warehouse & blue collar guide.
other major chicago employers
Craigslist Chicago jobs: craigslist chicago jobs (6,600/month, KD 2), Chicago Craigslist remains popular for local job postings, especially service industry, manual labor, and gig work.
Field Museum jobs: field museum jobs chicago (3,600/month, KD 1), research, education, guest services, and curatorial positions at one of the world’s great natural history museums. Apply at fieldmuseum.org/careers.
1199 jobs (SEIU Healthcare): 1199 jobs (5,400/month, KD 2), healthcare union jobs across the Chicago area.
AT&T careers chicago: at&t careers chicago (22,200/month, KD 4), AT&T has a significant Chicago presence with sales, customer service, engineering, and corporate roles.
Museum jobs chicago (3,600/month, KD 6), Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium all hire for education, research, curatorial, guest services, and operations.
cost of living: why chicago is the smart choice
Chicago offers big-city amenities at mid-market prices. Compared to NYC and San Francisco, the difference is significant:
Average rent (2026):
- Chicago Loop/River North 1-bedroom: $2,000–$3,000/month
- Lincoln Park/Lakeview: $1,600–$2,500/month
- Wicker Park/Bucktown: $1,500–$2,300/month
- South Loop: $1,500–$2,200/month
- Outer neighborhoods: $1,000–$1,600/month
For comparison:
- Manhattan 1-bedroom: $3,800–$5,500/month (75–100% more)
- San Francisco 1-bedroom: $3,000–$4,500/month (50–80% more)
A $75,000 salary in Chicago provides roughly the same lifestyle as $105,000 in NYC or $110,000 in San Francisco. That’s a massive difference.
Use zipscore.trendnovaworld.org for detailed cost-of-living comparisons.
where to find all chicago jobs
For the widest selection of jobs in chicago across all industries:
Dev Global Jobs aggregates 881,000+ verified job listings across 190+ countries, including thousands of Chicago-area positions. Updated every 30 minutes. 100% free. No login required.
560,000+ people use it globally. Recognized on GoodFirms.
Part of the Trend Nova World ecosystem:
salary.trendnovaworld.org — Chicago salary benchmarking across industries
zipscore.trendnovaworld.org — Chicago neighborhood cost-of-living comparisons
CareerNest.cloud — career development and interview preparation
WorldCareersHub.com — global career insights
voice search Q&A
What are the best jobs in Chicago? City of chicago jobs offer pension and stability. CTA rail operators earn $46,000 to $73,000. Chicago Public Schools teachers earn $60,000 to $105,000. Tech companies like Salesforce and Google have growing Chicago offices with competitive salaries.
How do I apply for city of chicago jobs? Visit chicago.gov/careers, create a profile, and search openings by department. Some positions require civil service exams. Most require Chicago residency within city limits.
How much do CTA jobs pay in Chicago? CTA bus operators earn $42,000 to $67,000 per year. Rail operators earn $46,000 to $73,000. Mechanics earn $58,000 to $87,000. All CTA positions include pension, health insurance, and free transit.
Should I move to Chicago for a job? Chicago offers 30 to 40 percent lower cost of living than NYC or San Francisco with comparable job opportunities in finance, tech, healthcare, and government. A $75,000 Chicago salary equals $105,000 in NYC purchasing power.
What are amazon jobs in Chicago? Amazon has multiple warehouse facilities across Chicagoland paying $17 to $24 per hour, delivery stations, and corporate offices. Corporate roles pay $80,000 to $200,000+. Apply at amazon.jobs.
frequently asked questions
what are city of chicago jobs?
city of chicago jobs include positions across 40+ city departments, covering police, fire, streets and sanitation, water management, transportation, buildings, and administration. Pay ranges from $38,000 for entry-level to $140,000+ for senior positions. Pension, health insurance, and paid leave included. Apply at chicago.gov/careers.
how do I apply for chicago public schools careers?
Visit cps.edu/careers. chicago public schools taleo is the application system, create an account, search postings, and apply. Teaching positions require an Illinois teaching license. Support staff positions may not require a degree. Heaviest hiring: March–August.
what are transit chicago careers?
CTA employs approximately 10,000 people across bus operations, rail operations, maintenance, and administration. Bus operators earn $42,000–$67,000/year. Rail operators earn $46,000–$73,000/year. Benefits include pension, health insurance, and free CTA rides. Apply at transitchicago.com/careers.
how much do university of chicago jobs pay?
university of chicago jobs range from $35,000 for facilities positions to $120,000+ for senior IT and administrative roles. Professors earn $80,000–$400,000+ depending on department. Benefits include tuition remission for employees and dependents worth $40,000–$50,000/year.
is chicago a good city for jobs?
Yes. Chicago has a diverse economy spanning finance, tech, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and government. Cost of living is 30–40% lower than NYC or San Francisco. Strong public sector employment with pensions. Growing tech scene with major employers including Salesforce, Google, Amazon, and McDonald’s corporate.
what are the highest paying jobs in chicago?
Investment banking/trading ($100K–$300K+), senior tech engineering ($130K–$250K), hospital physicians ($200K–$500K), CPS principals ($120K–$170K), and city department heads ($100K–$140K) are among the highest paying Chicago positions.
where can I find all chicago jobs?
Dev Global Jobs has 881,000+ verified listings across 190+ countries including thousands of Chicago-area positions. Free, no login required, updated every 30 minutes.
related guides on this site
- 60 top companies hiring in 2026
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- amazon jobs complete guide
- microsoft careers guide
- costco careers guide
- walmart careers guide
- usa jobs & government careers guide
- healthcare & nursing jobs guide
- warehouse, ups & blue collar jobs guide
Trend Nova World ecosystem: devglobaljobs.com · salary.trendnovaworld.org · zipscore.trendnovaworld.org · careernest.cloud · worldcareershub.com
