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Plan Your Future

Workforce and career information help job seekers, students, parents, counselors, educators, and business leaders to make informed career and education decisions. Most jobs in Illinois require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also stress that "soft skills," such as positive attitude and reliability, are as important as technical and computer skills when they look for job candidates.

The economic impacts of high school dropouts are astounding. Research shows that:

  • High school dropouts account for half of the households on welfare and over 60% of the population incarcerated in state and federal prisons.
  • Persons without a high school education or equivalent are twice as likely to be unemployed and earn over $8,700 less per year than high school graduates.

Use the information in this publication to explore the facts on employment opportunities that you can use to plan for your future. Visit the Illinois Career Information System (CIS) at http://ilcis.intocareers.org for even more information. Workforce and career information will enable you to make informed career, education and training decisions.

Jobs That Require Higher Education Are Growing Faster Than Those That Require Less Education

Level of Education & Training Required Projected Rate of Increase in Number of Jobs
Average Projected Growth Rate for All Jobs 10%
Growth Rates for Jobs that Require Some Higher Education
Advance Degrees 14%
Bachelor's Degree 16%
Associates Degree 18%
Postsecondary Vocational Education 9%
Growth Rates for Jobs that Do Not Require Higher Education
Work Experience in a Related Occupation 8%
Moderate-term on the job training 6%
Short-term on the job training 8%

Average Annual Income Rises with Education - Unemployment Rate Drops with Education

Education Level Average Annual Income Unemployment Rate
Less than High School $23,608 14.6%
High School or GED $32,552 9.7%
Some College, Vocational Training $36,348 8.6%
Associates Degree $39,572 6.8%
Bachelor's Degree $53,300 5.2%
Master's Degree $65,364 3.9%
Professional Degree $79,508 2.3%
Doctoral Degree $79,664 2.5%

Where can I find more information?

For assistance with employment and training issues, contact your local Illinois Employment and Training Center. Call 1-888-367-4382 to find the location nearest you.

IDES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal nondiscrimination on laws in the administration of its programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The IDES Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer is responsible for compliance and can be reached at (312) 793-9290 or TTY (888) 340-1007.

Note: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, visit the IDES Web site at www.ides.illinois.gov.

Education and Training Level Definitions

The categories of education, training and experience used here were developed by the Occupational Outlook Handbook staff of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, with minor adjustments by the workforce development agencies in Illinois to better suit the economic and regulatory nature of the state's economy.

Work Experience + 4 Years of College (Bachelor's Degree) or More

Describes managerial occupations that usually are filled through promotion after experience is gained in a non managerial occupation that requires a bachelor's degree or higher. This category includes Master's, Doctoral and First professional degrees, which generally take at least one to three years of full-time academic study beyond a bachelor's degree.

4 Years of College (Bachelor's Degree)

Considered the minimum hiring requirement for many professional occupations and usually requires four to five years of academic study after high school graduation. Associates degree: usually requires at least two years of full-time academic work after high school and is the minimum training level for a number of occupations including many in Illinois that require licensure or certify cation through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Postsecondary vocational training: describes the necessary hiring or licensure requirement for a variety of occupations. Training programs range from one to three years in length and can include combinations such as course work that does not result in a degree or formal vocational training programs that result in a certify cate or diploma.

2 Years of College (Associates Degree)

Usually requires at least two years of full-time academic and is the minimum training level for a number of work after high school occupations including many in Illinois that require licensure or certification through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

Long-Term On-the-Job Training

Describes occupations that usually require more than one year of on-the-job training or a combination of classroom instruction and work experience such as formal or informal apprenticeships, many of which last up to four years. Also included in this category are occupations where employer-sponsored training programs are the chief hiring requirement. Occupations in the arts, entertainment and sports areas, which require natural abilities and skills developed over many years, are also classified here.

Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training

Describes training for occupations where in one to twelve months of combined on-the-job experience and informal classroom activities the average worker can achieve necessary skill levels. This training generally includes observing experienced workers and assuming greater job responsibilities as lower level job skills are mastered. Many of the persons in occupations classified in this training level are already considered employed in this field.

Short-Term On-the-Job Training

The training category assigned to a large number of occupations where in just a few days, weeks or months through observing experienced workers and asking questions the average worker can achieve the necessary skill levels.

Contact Information

Illinois Department of Employment Security
Economic Information and Analysis Division
33 S. State Street, 9th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603

Toll-free: 1-866-ONE-SRCE (1-866-663-7723)

www.ides.illinois.gov

Career Web Resources

Job Search Web Resources

You can also find out how to contact your Illinois Department of Employment Security local labor market economist by selecting the Contact Info link at the Web site lmi.ides.state.il.us.

For more information about occupations and wages, and to access our career exploration tools, visit our One Source Portal page at: www.ILWorkInfo.com.

Illinois Occupations with the Most Openings Each Year

These tables list occupations expected to have the most job openings each year. "Best Bet" occupations (indicated below by a ^ ) combine a high growth rate with a large number of annual openings and pay well for the level of training or education. For a complete listing of occupations, wages and skills information, visit LMI Source at lmi.ides.state.il.us.

Work Experience + 4 Years of College (Bachelor's Degree) or More

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
General & Operations Managers 1,704 $28.15 $70.17 Active Listening, Mgt of Personnel Resources, Time Management Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of companies or public and private sector organizations.
Lawyers 1,132 $33.15 $84.40 Reading Comprehension, Judgment/Decision Making, Writing Represent clients in legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Management Analysts 1,077 $22.15 $53.70 Writing, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, conduct measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals.
Sales Managers 665 $25.09 $65.08 Active Listening, Speaking, Mathematics Direct the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer and coordinate sales.
Financial Managers 559 $30.73 $68.70 Mgt of Financial Resources, Judgment/Decision Making, Critical Thinking Represent clients in legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Education Administrators, Elementary. & Secondary 450 N/A N/A Coordination, Speaking, Reading Comprehension Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, clerical, or auxiliary activities of public or private elementary or secondary level schools.
Clergy 449 $11.11 $24.29 Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination.
Administrative Services Managers 447 $16.26 $38.94 Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Reading Comprehension Plan, direct, or coordinate supportive services of an organization, such as record keeping, mail distribution, telephone operator/receptionist.
Computer & Information Systems Managers ^ 344 $34.71 $66.96 Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as data processing, information systems, and computer programming.
Pharmacists ^ 342 $39.81 $55.62 Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications.
Educational, Vocational & School Counselors 329 $15.05 $38.08 Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Medical & Health Services Managers 311 $25.02 $50.09 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Plan, direct, or coordinate medicine and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Physical Therapists ^ 306 $27.09 $45.75 Active Listening, Instructing, Time Management Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, and increase strength of patients suffering from disease or injury.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

^ "Best Bet" Occupation

Source: 2008-2018 Long-term Occupational Projections and 2009 Q3 Wages, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Economic Information and Analysis Division

4 Years of College (Bachelor's degree)

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Registered Nurses ^ 4,238 $22.53 $36.01 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
Elementary School Teachers, except Special Education 3,305 N/A N/A Instructing, Speaking, Learning Strategies Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills.
Secondary School Teachers, except Special / Vocational Education 2,236 N/A N/A Instructing, Speaking, Learning Strategies Instruct students in secondary public or private schools in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Accountants & Auditors 1,975 $20.64 $39.57 Mathematics, Active Learning, Critical Thinking Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records for the purpose of giving advice or preparing statements.
Middle School Teachers, except Special / Vocational Education 1,262 N/A N/A Instructing, Speaking, Learning Strategies Teach students in public or private schools in one or more subjects at the middle, intermediate, or junior high level.
Securities, Commodities & Financial Services Sales Agents 810 $17.63 $54.69 Systems Analysis, Judgment/Decision Making, Mgt of Financial Resources Buy and sell securities in investment and trading firms, or call upon businesses and individuals to sell financial services.
Market Research Analysts 803 $15.89 $37.03 Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Writing Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales of a product or service.
Computer Software Engineers, Systems ^ 638 $27.20 $52.73 Complex Problem Solving, Technology Design, Troubleshooting Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software.
Computer Systems Analysts ^ 615 $26.94 $46.04 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems.
Insurance Sales Agents 609 $12.78 $38.36 Active Listening, Speaking, Time Management Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance.
Computer Software Engineers, Applications ^ 574 $27.85 $50.25 Programming, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes.

2 Years of College (Associate degree)

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Registered Nurses ^ 4,238 $22.53 $36.01 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
Computer Support Specialists 715 $15.47 $29.44 Troubleshooting, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Answer questions concerning hardware and software, printing, installation, e-mail, or resolve computer problems for clients.
Dental Hygienists 368 $21.13 $35.80 Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease.
Paralegals & Legal Assistants 327 $17.70 $29.79 Reading Comprehension, Time Management, Active Listening Assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents.
Medical Records & Health Info Technicians 273 $11.02 $19.02 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Time Management Maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with the regulatory requirements of the health care system.
Medical & Clinical Lab Technicians 208 $13.14 $22.87 Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Radiologic Technologists/Technicians 201 $19.17 $31.86 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Take X-rays, CAT scans, magnetic resonance images, and administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes.
Respiratory Therapists ^ 180 $20.32 $28.64 Active Listening, Instructing, Reading Comprehension Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
Interior Designers 149 $14.89 $29.39 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Mgt of Financial Resources Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
Environmental Science & Protection Technicians 132 $12.75 $26.99 Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Science Performs laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health.
Physical Therapist Assistants ^ 124 $16.94 $28.10 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Time Management Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.
Veterinary Technologists/Technicians 106 $12.51 $19.68 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes.

Vocational Training After High School

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Licensed Practical Nurses ^ 1,273 $15.50 $22.80 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Time Management Care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled persons in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions.
Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics ^ 1,089 $11.63 $24.31 Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Selection Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Preschool Teachers, except Special Education 849 $9.58 $15.79 Instructing, Learning Strategies, Speaking Instruct children (normally up to 5 years of age) in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Fitness Trainers/Aerobics Instructors 659 $8.63 $20.46 Instructing, Speaking, Coordination Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities and the fundamentals of sports.
Hairdressers/Stylists/Cosmetologists 655 $8.54 $15.62 Active Listening, Speaking, Time Management Provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp.
Medical Secretaries 527 $11.85 $19.45 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Perform secretarial duties utilizing specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.
Legal Secretaries 495 $14.46 $24.94 Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Time Management Perform secretarial duties utilizing legal terminology, procedures, and documents.
Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics 444 $10.01 $22.13 Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals.
Library Technicians 398 $9.16 $16.50 Reading Comprehension, Service Orientation, Active Listening Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials.
Bus/Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists 290 $14.76 $24.63 Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, and all types of diesel engines.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes

Long-Term On-the-Job Training

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Restaurant Cooks 1,250 $8.69 $12.08 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foodstuffs in restaurants.
Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers 1,131 $18.60 $37.28 Judgment/Decision Making, Active Listening, Speaking Maintain order, enforce laws and ordinances, and protect life and property in an assigned patrol district.
Carpenters 848 $16.49 $34.22 Active Listening, Mathematics, Equipment Selection Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters.
Electricians ^ 832 $22.08 $37.60 Installation, Active Listening, Repairing Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
Fire Fighters 753 $10.53 $32.11 Active Listening, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Selection Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.
Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters ^ 619 $23.28 $40.36 Installation, Active Listening, Repairing Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.
Welders Cutters Solderers & Brazers 527 $12.17 $20.21 Operation & Control, Equipment Selection, Equipment Maintenance Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components.
Machinists 450 $11.79 $22.07 Operation & Control, Operation Monitoring, Mathematics Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.
Claims Adjusters/Examiners/Investigators 415 $19.20 $37.21 Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Judgment/Decision Making Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements have been made in accordance with company practices and procedures.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes

Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Customer Service Representatives 4,557 $11.24 $20.29 Active Listening, Speaking, Writing Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.
Truck Drivers, Heavy/Tractor Trailer 2,239 $14.09 $23.78 Operation & Control, Equipment Maintenance, Reading Comprehension Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 GVW, to transport and deliver goods, livestock, or materials.
Sales Reps, Wholesale/Manufacturing 1,742 $15.32 $40.73 Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Persuasion Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals.
Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants 1,690 $15.12 $25.61 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Coordination Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions.
Bookkeeping/Accounting/Auditing Clerks 1,519 $11.86 $19.89 Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Writing Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete.
Team Assemblers 1,469 $8.46 $15.16 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product.
General Maintenance & Repair Workers ^ 1,292 $12.19 $24.32 Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, of an establishment in repair.
Construction Laborers 1,276 $9.38 $26.85 Equipment Selection, Operation & Control, Mathematics Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites.
Secretaries, except Legal/Medical/Executive 1,105 $10.30 $17.80 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Time Management Perform routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, or providing information to callers.
Pharmacy Technicians ^ 825 $10.46 $15.34 Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org)

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes

Short-Term On-the-Job Training

Hourly Wages
Occupational Title Annual Openings Entry Experienced Skills * Descriptions
Cashiers 6,879 $7.82 $9.78 Mathematics, Service Orientation, Speaking Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions.
Retail Salespersons 6,552 $8.20 $13.87 Active Listening, Mathematics, Speaking Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel in a retail establishment.
Waiters and Waitresses 5,609 $7.92 $10.87 Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Laborers & Freight/Stock Movers, Hand 4,399 $8.52 $14.53 Active Listening, Equipment Selection, Operation & Control Manually move freight, stock, or other materials or perform other unskilled general labor.
Fast Food Prep & Serving Workers 3,718 $8.03 $9.24 Active Listening, Speaking, Instructing Perform duties which combine both food preparation and food service.
General Office Clerks 2,675 $9.05 $15.70 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking Perform duties too varied to be classified in any specific clerical occupation, requiring limited knowledge of office management systems.
Janitors & Cleaners, except Maids/Housekeepers ^ 2,647 $8.63 $14.63 Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition.
Stock Clerks & Order Fillers 2,222 $8.52 $12.64 Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Receive, store, and issue sales floor merchandise and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves or customers' orders.
Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants ^ 1,869 $9.23 $13.28 Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff.

* Top three required skills from O*NET (www.ONETcenter.org )

Annual wages converted to hourly for comparison purposes