Illinois: High Cost of Living, Highest State Worker Salaries

Illinois, the fifth most populous state in the U.S., finds itself in an interesting fiscal position. It's the 19th most expensive place to live, yet it boasts some of the highest salaries for state farm workers. Recent changes in lawmaker pay and state spending have raised eyebrows.

Illinois' cost of living varies, with the Economic Research and Information Center ranking it 24th. Despite this, salaries for state workers are among the highest in the nation. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Illinois is among the top five states for highest salaries for state workers. The average annual state government salary in Illinois in 2023 is about $79,000, excluding university jobs.

Lawmakers in Illinois recently received a raise, increasing their base pay to $98,000, which places them in the top five among states. This raise comes amidst concerns about the state's ballooning budgets, with Gov. JB Pritzker calling for a 4% reduction. The state has also spent millions on the Commission on Equity and Inclusion to ensure a certain percentage of state contract money goes to businesses owned by racial minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

The average wage for Illinois state employees is about $85,000, compared to about $78,000 for comparable private sector jobs. Since 2021, pay for state government employees represented by the AFSCME Council 31 union has increased 57% faster than private sector jobs.

Illinois' high cost of living contrasts with its high state worker salaries. Recent increases in lawmaker pay and state spending have sparked debate, with the governor calling for budget cuts. Despite these concerns, Illinois continues to attract and retain state workers with competitive salaries.