Salaries in Cicero, IL

Cicero, IL is a town where the median household income is nearly $75k, but you’d never guess it walking down Harlem Avenue. It’s got that classic Chicago-adjacent grit, but the paychecks here punch above their weight if you know where to look.

Here’s the math: Cicero’s cost of living sits at 102.6—just a hair above the national average. That $1,231 monthly rent for a one-bedroom isn’t a steal, but it’s not crushing either. For a household pulling in the median $74,353, that leaves real breathing room compared to pricier Chicago neighborhoods. Your dollars stretch a bit further here, especially if you’re commuting into the city for a higher salary but banking the difference on housing.

The economy leans hard on healthcare, education, and the trades. You’ll find a lot of nurses and teachers who live here and work at places like Rush Oak Park or the local school district. And the electricians? They’re busy—Cicero’s housing stock is old, and someone’s got to keep the lights on. The local unemployment rate is a healthy 4.5%, and with only 8% holding a bachelor’s, there’s solid demand for skilled workers who didn’t follow the white-collar path.

But here’s the catch: wages aren’t exactly racing ahead. The average salary across all roles is $54,807, and after adjusting for costs, it’s $53,418. That’s livable, but not lavish. Software developers and accountants do well here—especially since their COL-adjusted pay still clears six figures for the top earners. Teachers and electricians make a respectable middle-class living, but they’re not getting rich. If you’re in one of those top-tier occupations, Cicero offers a rare chance to live near Chicago without the brutal price tag. If you’re in a lower-wage job, it’s a struggle, just like anywhere else.

The data below breaks down who’s earning what, and what your paycheck might actually buy.