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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Student Support Specialist in Illinois is $40,350 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Student Support Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Student Support Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $44,650 | $3,721 | $859 | $21 |
| Average | $40,350 | $3,363 | $776 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,740 | $2,978 | $687 | $17 |
North Cook Intermediate Service Center & Regional Office of Education - Des Plaines, IL
DuPage County ROE - West Chicago, IL
Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, IL
Insight Health Systems - Chicago, IL
A Student Support Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Student Support Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Student Support Specialist | 1-3 years | $40,346 |
| College/University Student Union Manager | 3-5 years | $64,999 |
| College/University Student Union Director | 5+ years | $79,143 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Student Support Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Student Support Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,641. While startup companies pay approximate $35,581.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $35,581 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $37,541 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $40,312 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $41,641 |
Understanding how a Student Support Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $44,650 | $3,721 | $859 | $21 |
| Average | $40,350 | $3,363 | $776 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,740 | $2,978 | $687 | $17 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Student Support Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Campus Student Activities/Clubs Manager | $55,100 | 37% |
| Campus Recreation and Wellness Programs Manager | $62,800 | 56% |
| Associate Director of Student Affairs | $56,600 | 40% |
| College/University Student Union Manager | $65,000 | 61% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Student Support Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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