Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area earn an impressive average annual salary of $73,930. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher compensation structures within this metropolitan region. The unique economic landscape and specific needs of the educational and career development sectors in this area likely contribute to this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,110.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 9,210 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established job market. The presence of 2.06 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for these vital services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+23.1%above the national average.
$35.5
$1,422
$6,161
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized guidance, and evolving educational policies likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for professionals in this field.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can be substantial. This salary scaling reflects the accumulation of expertise, client management capabilities, and leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $47,840 | $23 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $55,448 | $26.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $63,820 | $30.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $92,413 | $44.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $109,110 | $52.5 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $73,930 for Counselors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially neutral relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
9,210
Total Jobs
2.06
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.93x the national average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a slightly lower concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors compared to the national average. This suggests a market that is neither overly saturated nor significantly undersupplied, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $73,930. This typically ranges from $47,840 for entry-level positions to $109,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 23.1% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for these professionals.The average salary of $73,930 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($51,140) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $73,930, which is considerably higher than the national average of $60,060 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors.
What is the job market like for Counselors in Chicago?
The job market is stable, with a concentration of professionals nearly matching the national average (LQ of 0.93) and a consistent presence of jobs per capita.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Chicago salary?
No, the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary offers equivalent purchasing power.
Are there many Counselors in the Chicago area?
The area employs 9,210 Counselors, with a concentration (LQ) of 0.93, indicating a presence that is close to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,210 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 2.06 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN