Education Administrators, Postsecondary Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $99,260 -4.5% vs national
Median hourly $47.72
10th percentile $62,500
90th percentile $162,820
Employed locally 6,340
National median $103,960

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Education Administrators, Postsecondary
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    In Chicago and its surrounding areas in Illinois and Indiana, education administrators at the postsecondary level typically earn a median annual salary of $99,260, which is slightly below the national median of $103,960 for this occupation. When compared to local household income, where the area's median household earns approximately $88,850 annually, these administrators generally earn more than the average household in the region. This suggests that individuals in postsecondary education administration positions are typically earning salaries above the regional median, highlighting their relatively higher financial standing within the local economy.

    For entry-level education administrators in this region, starting salaries tend to hover around the 10th percentile mark of $62,500, while those more experienced and positioned towards the upper end of the scale can earn up to or beyond the 90th percentile at $162,820 annually. This significant salary range is driven primarily by factors such as years of experience, institutional size, and specific educational focus areas. Entry-level professionals may start with salaries closer to or around the median hourly wage of $47.72 but have opportunities for substantial salary increases as they gain experience and take on more complex administrative roles within their institutions.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $62,500
    25th
    $77,080
    50th (median)
    $99,260
    75th
    $128,280
    90th
    $162,820

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Education Administrators, Postsecondary salary vs area income 112% Median Education Administrators, Postsecondary salary is 12% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Education Administrators, Postsecondary make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Education Administrators, Postsecondary in Chicago, IL-IN is $47.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.89 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Education Administrators, Postsecondary salaries?

    The median Education Administrators, Postsecondary salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 4.5% below the national median of $103,960. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Education Administrators, Postsecondary in Chicago?

    Entry-level Education Administrators, Postsecondary (10th percentile) earn around $62,500 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $77,080.