IT Support Specialist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$60,730/year
about $29.20 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,950 – $78,040
Half of it support specialists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $60,730 a year and half earn less. That's 2% lower than the national median of $61,860, and ranks #20 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,200 | $20.29 |
| 25th | $47,950 | $23.05 |
| Median (50th) | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| 75th | $78,040 | $37.52 |
| 90th (top earners) | $98,590 | $47.40 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a it support specialist job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,950 ($23.05/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,950 to $78,040 ($23.05 to $37.52/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $78,040 ($37.52/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Help desk roles are often tiered (Tier 1, 2, 3). Higher tiers pay more, so check which one this is.
- Certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ can help you start higher and move up faster.
- Ask about shifts and on-call duty, since support often covers evenings and weekends.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Computer User Support Specialists (SOC 15-1232). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.