Technology Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

IT Support Specialist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median it support specialist salary in Chicago, IL is $66,819 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$66,819
vs State Avg
+$7,159
vs National
+$7,159
Cost of Living
107%

IT Support Specialist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median it support specialist salary of $66,819, which is $7,159 above the Illinois state average of $59,660. Compared to the national median of $59,660, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for it support specialists in Chicago spans from $40,544 at the 10th percentile to $108,640 at the 90th percentile — a $68,096 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,560, while senior it support specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

IT Support Specialist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level it support specialist earns around $42,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,560
+$4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
+$10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $40,544
25th Percentile $51,520
Median (50th) $66,819
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $108,640

IT Support Specialist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a IT Support Specialist in Chicago

Education

Most it support specialist positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Help DeskWindows/MacNetworking BasicsActive DirectoryTroubleshootingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, it support specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find IT Support Specialist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open it support specialist positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: IT Support Specialist Salary in Chicago

How much does a IT Support Specialist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median it support specialist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $66,819 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $59,660. Salaries range from $40,544 (10th percentile) to $108,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a IT Support Specialist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,819, a it support specialist in Chicago earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for it support specialist pay? ▼
Chicago's median it support specialist salary of $66,819 is 12.0% above the Illinois state average of $59,660. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a it support specialist salary of $66,819 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a it support specialist in Chicago? ▼
Most it support specialist positions in Chicago require a associate's degree. Key skills include Help Desk, Windows/Mac, Networking Basics, Active Directory. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.