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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laborer in Illinois is $44,270 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Laborer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Laborer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $49,784 | $4,149 | $957 | $24 |
| Average | $44,270 | $3,689 | $851 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,151 | $3,429 | $791 | $20 |
A Laborer'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 Laborer'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Laborer | $43,331 |
| Intermediate Level Laborer | $43,865 |
| Senior Level Laborer | $45,649 |
| Specialist Level Laborer | $45,892 |
| Expert Level Laborer | $46,297 |
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 Laborers. 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 Laborer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Laborer positions in Healthcare or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laborer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,978 | $30.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,765 | $29.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $57,551 | $28.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $55,338 | $27.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $53,124 | $26.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Laborer'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 | $49,784 | $4,149 | $957 | $24 |
| Average | $44,270 | $3,689 | $851 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,151 | $3,429 | $791 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laborer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sims Metal Management
Chicago, IL
LG Electronics
Chicago, IL
Lakeshore Recycling Systems
Monmouth, IL
Heidelberg Materials US, Inc.
Thornton, IL
Leisnoi Inc
Ottawa, IL
US Veterans Health Administration
Hines, IL
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