EducationUpdated Q1 2026

Academic Advisor Salary
in Chicago, IL

Guide students in selecting courses, majors, and academic pathways to meet graduation requirements. Median salary in Chicago: $55K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$55K
per year
Take-home: $36K

Salary range in Chicago

Entry level (25th)$42,000
Median (50th)$55,000
Senior (75th)$71,000
Top earner (90th)$90,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Chicago, Illinois. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Chicago

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

6% premium vs national median

Academic Advisors in Chicago earn approximately 6% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $3,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Chicago's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 55% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago ($1,650/mo) consumes approximately 55% of an after-tax median Academic Advisor salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($71K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Chicago

Median salary
$55K
annual
Take-home pay
$36K
after fed/state tax
COL index
107
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chicago Academic Advisor to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $55K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Chicago

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Academic Advisor salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$46K$50K$54K$58K$62K201920212023202520272029
2026
$56K
projected
2027
$58K
projected
2028
$59K
projected
2029
$61K
projected
2030
$62K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$55,000+$0
2028 projected$55,000+$0
2029 projected$55,000+$0
2030 projected$55,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Academic Advisor Salary in Chicago, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Academic Advisor salary in Chicago, IL is $55,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chicago–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Academic Advisor in Chicago

Entry-level Academic Advisors in Chicago with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $42,000 and $55,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $55,000 to $71,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $71,000 to $90,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chicago for Academic Advisors

Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Chicago are close to the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Academic Advisor

Bachelor's or Master's in Education or Counseling. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Academic Advisor salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chicago (current)$55K107
Aurora$49K95
Joliet$47K90
Naperville$61K118
Rockford$42K80