Automotive & Maintenance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Maintenance Worker Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median maintenance worker salary in Chicago, IL is $46,224 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$46,224
vs State Avg
+$5,184
vs National
+$3,024
Cost of Living
107%

Maintenance Worker Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median maintenance worker salary of $46,224, which is $5,184 above the Illinois state average of $41,040. Compared to the national median of $43,200, 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 maintenance workers in Chicago spans from $29,960 at the 10th percentile to $71,690 at the 90th percentile — a $41,730 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,100, while senior maintenance workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,410. 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.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level maintenance worker earns around $32,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,410 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,080
+$3,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,410
+$4,410 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $29,960
25th Percentile $36,380
Median (50th) $46,224
75th Percentile $58,850
90th Percentile $71,690

Maintenance Worker Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$46,656
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$41,040
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$36,720
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$35,424
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Maintenance Worker in Chicago

Education

Most maintenance worker positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

General RepairPlumbing BasicsElectrical BasicsHVAC BasicsPaintingSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, maintenance worker employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Maintenance Worker Jobs in Chicago

Browse open maintenance worker positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Worker Salary in Chicago

How much does a Maintenance Worker make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median maintenance worker salary in Chicago, Illinois is $46,224 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $43,200. Salaries range from $29,960 (10th percentile) to $71,690 (90th percentile).
How much does a Maintenance Worker make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,224, a maintenance worker in Chicago earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for maintenance worker pay? ▼
Chicago's median maintenance worker salary of $46,224 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $41,040. 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 maintenance worker salary of $46,224 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance worker in Chicago? ▼
Most maintenance worker positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include General Repair, Plumbing Basics, Electrical Basics, HVAC Basics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.