Helpers--Production Workers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

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

Median annual salary $40,070 +4.8% vs national
Median hourly $19.26
10th percentile $34,590
90th percentile $52,720
Employed locally 3,500
National median $38,220

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Helpers--Production Workers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    In Chicago, IL-IN, production worker helpers have a median annual salary of $40,070, or $19.26 per hour, which is slightly above the national median of $38,220 for this occupation. This salary represents approximately 45% of the area's median household income, which stands at $88,850. While this indicates that production worker helpers earn less than half of what a typical local household earns annually, their earnings are competitive within the context of similar positions nationally. The employment level for these workers is estimated to be around 3,500 in the region, reflecting a stable job market despite a local unemployment rate of 5.10%.

    The salary range for production worker helpers varies significantly based on experience and skill level. Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn approximately $34,590 annually, whereas those at the 25th percentile make about $38,110. Experienced workers at the 75th percentile can expect to earn around $42,840, with top earners in the 90th percentile making up to $52,720 per year. This wage progression is driven primarily by factors such as experience, on-the-job training, and skill acquisition over time. As production worker helpers gain more expertise and proficiency in their roles, they tend to qualify for higher-paying positions within the manufacturing sector, leading to increased earnings potential.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,590
    25th
    $38,110
    50th (median)
    $40,070
    75th
    $42,840
    90th
    $52,720

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Helpers--Production Workers salary vs area income 45% Median Helpers--Production Workers salary is 55% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Helpers--Production Workers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Helpers--Production Workers in Chicago, IL-IN is $19.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.35 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Helpers--Production Workers salaries?

    The median Helpers--Production Workers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 4.8% above the national median of $38,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Helpers--Production Workers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Helpers--Production Workers (10th percentile) earn around $34,590 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,110.