How does a HR Manager's salary in Chicago compare to the rest of Illinois?

Chicago's cost of living index is 114 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A HR Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $155,439 earns $85,339 more than the median household income in Chicago ($70,100).

HR Manager Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Chicago's cost of living (index: 114). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

HR Manager Salary in Chicago — Key Numbers

$155,439

Median Salary

$109,588

25th Percentile

$210,558

75th Percentile

$273,600

90th Percentile

National median (HR Manager)$136,350

vs. National median+14.0%

Chicago median household income$70,100

vs. City household income+121.7%

Cost of Living in Chicago

Cost of Living Index

114(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$2,288/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio17.7%

Annual rent cost$27,456

Median Home Price$315,000

Home Price / Salary2.0×

20% Down Payment$63,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Chicago

4.6%

Unemployment Rate

9,560,000

Metro Population

31 min

Avg Commute

36.7

Median Age

Chicago has a metro population of 9,560,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

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HR Manager Salary in Illinois

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Chicago

Physician$261,402 Chief Executive Officer$239,400 Dentist$200,081 IT Manager$193,241 Marketing Manager$179,687 Lawyer$166,166

HR Manager Salary — Other Illinois Cities

Rockford, IL$113,171 Peoria, IL$114,534

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a HR Manager make in Chicago, IL?

The estimated median salary for a HR Manager in Chicago is $155,439 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,350 adjusted by Chicago's cost of living index (114). The typical salary range runs from $109,588 (25th percentile) to $210,558 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $273,600.

Is Chicago affordable for a HR Manager?

On a $155,439 annual salary, a HR Manager in Chicago would spend approximately 17.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,288/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Chicago relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $315,000 is 2.0× the annual salary.

How does a HR Manager's salary compare to Chicago's overall income?

Chicago's median household income is $70,100. A HR Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $155,439 earns 121.7% more than the typical Chicago household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

HR Manager — National HR Manager in Illinois All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.