Chicago vs Waukegan: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,158▲ | $61,682 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.06▲ | $29.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,440▲ | $45,143 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,224▲ | $54,358 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,434▲ | $78,302 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,281▲ | $95,607 |
| Total Employed | 45,840▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Chicago and Waukegan is $17,476 (28.33%). Chicago's median is +22.54% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $56,841,Waukegan spans $50,464. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($76,411 effective) pays 20.29% more than Waukegan ($63,524 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,281)
- ✓Larger job market (45,840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,411)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Chicago grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.8% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$63,630 (2019) → $78,390 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$70,013 (2024) → $61,083 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Chicago or Waukegan?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov