If you’re thinking about relocating to Illinois, understanding the key industries in the state can help you envision your new lifestyle. Illinois has a diverse economy with opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Whether you’re looking at houses for sale in Chicago or apartments in Springfield, Illinois offers options for professionals at all career stages. With a strong transportation network, top universities, and a skilled workforce, Illinois is an appealing destination for job seekers. Let’s delve into some of the industries fueling the state’s economy and why they are important for those contemplating a move.
Illinois Overview: Housing prices, income, and job market
Major Employers in Illinois
- State of Illinois: 144,900 employees
- Walmart: 57,400 employees
- City of Chicago: 44,900 employees
- Amazon: 38,000 employees
- Cook County: 13,100 employees
Top 10 Industries in Illinois
1. Manufacturing
Key Companies: Caterpillar Inc. (locations in Illinois), John Deere (Moline), Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago)
Illinois is a hub for manufacturing, producing a wide range of products from heavy machinery to food items. Companies like Caterpillar and John Deere offer employment opportunities in engineering, production, and logistics. ADM provides roles in food processing and supply chain management. The manufacturing sector thrives in Illinois due to its access to transportation and raw materials, ensuring economic stability and growth for residents.
Considering a career in manufacturing in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Moline.
2. Healthcare and Social Services
Key Companies: Northwestern Medicine (Chicago), Advocate Aurora Health (Downers Grove), OSF HealthCare (Peoria)
The healthcare sector is a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy, with companies like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Aurora Health offering a wide range of employment opportunities. From medical professionals to administrators, these companies support the healthcare needs of the community. OSF HealthCare plays a vital role in smaller cities like Peoria, contributing to local economic growth. The demand for housing in Illinois remains strong due to the robust healthcare sector.
Thinking about a healthcare career in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Peoria.
3. Education
Key Companies: University of Illinois System (Champaign), Northwestern University (Evanston), Illinois State University (Normal)
Illinois is home to renowned educational institutions that offer a wide range of employment opportunities in teaching, administration, and research. The University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and Illinois State University attract talent from around the world, contributing to the state’s economy. Education plays a crucial role in Illinois, generating significant revenue and providing avenues for professional development and lifelong learning.
Considering a career in education in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Champaign or Evanston.
4. Finance and Insurance
Key Companies: Allstate (Northbrook), CME Group (Chicago), State Farm (Bloomington)
Illinois’ financial sector, centered in Chicago, is home to global giants like CME Group. Companies like Allstate and State Farm provide employment opportunities in risk management, underwriting, and IT. The finance and insurance industry supports communities across Illinois with competitive wages and career progression. Residents benefit from a strong local economy and access to essential services like banking and insurance.
Thinking about a finance career in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Bloomington.
5. Transportation and Warehousing
Key Companies: United Airlines (Chicago), Schneider National (locations in Illinois), BNSF Railway (locations in Illinois)
Illinois serves as a crucial transportation hub, with companies like United Airlines and BNSF Railway offering employment in logistics, maintenance, and customer service. The state’s robust transportation and warehousing sector support global trade and provide abundant career opportunities. Living in Illinois means access to well-connected cities and diverse job prospects.
Considering a career in transportation in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Naperville.
6. Technology and Software Development
Key Companies: Motorola Solutions (Chicago), Grubhub (Chicago), CDW (Vernon Hills)
Illinois’ technology sector is rapidly expanding, driven by companies like Motorola Solutions and Grubhub. These companies offer employment opportunities in app development, data science, and user experience. CDW supports the sector with IT infrastructure solutions. The tech industry attracts skilled professionals, enhancing local housing markets and driving innovation.
Thinking about a tech career in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Vernon Hills.
7. Agriculture
Key Companies: Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago), Ingredion (Westchester), Monsanto (locations in Illinois)
With over 70,000 farms across the state, Illinois is a leader in agriculture, producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. Companies like ADM and Ingredion offer employment in food science, logistics, and product development. The agribusiness sector supports rural communities with stable jobs and economic activity, providing residents with a connection to local food production.
Considering a career in agriculture in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Westchester.
8. Retail Trade
Key Companies: Walgreens Boots Alliance (Deerfield), Ace Hardware (Oak Brook), ALDI (Batavia)
Illinois has a thriving retail sector, with companies like Walgreens Boots Alliance and Ace Hardware providing employment in operations, marketing, and supply chain management. Retail offers numerous job opportunities in urban and suburban areas, supporting economic activity and convenience for residents across the state.
Thinking about a retail career in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Deerfield or Oak Brook.
9. Professional Services
Key Companies: Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG (headquartered out of state with locations in Illinois)
Professional services thrive in Illinois, offering employment in consulting, accounting, and legal services. Major firms like Accenture and Deloitte hire professionals in IT, project management, and finance. This sector attracts highly educated workers, supporting urban centers with a steady housing demand. Illinois’ business-friendly environment fosters growth in the professional services industry.
Considering a career in professional services in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Aurora.
10. Energy
Key Companies: Exelon (Chicago), Constellation Energy (locations in Illinois), BP (locations in Illinois)
Energy companies in Illinois focus on traditional and renewable sources, with companies like Exelon and Constellation Energy providing employment in power generation, engineering, and administration. Illinois leads in clean energy innovation with a mix of nuclear, wind, and solar projects. The energy industry’s expansion benefits local economies and offers sustainable living options for residents.
Thinking about a career in the energy sector in Illinois? Explore houses for sale in Chicago or Naperville.