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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Collections Specialist in Illinois is $46,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Collections Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Collections Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,033 | $4,253 | $981 | $25 |
| Average | $46,000 | $3,833 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,790 | $3,482 | $804 | $20 |
OSP LP - Palatine, IL
Arthur J Gallagher & Co - Rolling Meadows, IL
Addison Group - Vernon Hills, IL
Consumer Portfolio Services - Oak Brook, IL
A Collections 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 Collections 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Collectio... Level Collections Specialist | $40,953 |
| Collectio... Level Collections Specialist | $45,630 |
| Collectio... Level Collections Specialist | $50,496 |
| Collectio... Level Collections Specialist | $70,267 |
| VP of Col... Level Collections Specialist | $245,736 |
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 Collections 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:
For Collections Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Collections Specialist positions in Media or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Collections Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $57,500 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $55,200 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,280 | $26.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $52,900 | $25.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,520 | $25.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Collections 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 | $51,033 | $4,253 | $981 | $25 |
| Average | $46,000 | $3,833 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,790 | $3,482 | $804 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Collections Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
WorkWave
Peoria, IL
WorkWave | Peoria, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
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WorkWave
Champaign, IL
WorkWave | Champaign, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
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WorkWave
Decatur, IL
WorkWave | Decatur, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
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WorkWave
Normal, IL
WorkWave | Normal, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
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WorkWave
Quincy, IL
WorkWave | Quincy, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
6 Days Ago
WorkWave
Antioch, IL
WorkWave | Antioch, IL
[Accounts Receivable / Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Up to $54,000-yr / Robust Health-Dental-Vision / 401k with company match / Flexible Time Off / EAP / Tu... more
6 Days Ago
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