Illinois anchored by Chicago—the Midwest's economic powerhouse—offers A+ certified professionals a compelling combination of competitive salaries, Fortune 500 employers, and a cost of living 30-40% below coastal tech hubs. From downtown Loop headquarters to suburban corporate campuses, here's the complete 2026 salary breakdown.
5-12%
Above National Avg
Medium
Cost of Living
$85,000+
Top Earners
30+
Fortune 500 HQs
🏢 Fortune 500 Concentration: Illinois hosts over 30 Fortune 500 company headquarters—including Boeing, Caterpillar, United Airlines, Allstate, and McDonald's. These corporations maintain large IT support teams, creating abundant entry-level positions for A+ certified professionals with clear advancement paths into systems administration, network engineering, and management.
Salary by Experience Level
Illinois A+ salaries have grown steadily as companies compete for qualified IT talent. While base pay trails coastal markets, the lower cost of living and strong benefits at major corporations create excellent overall compensation:
Entry Level
$42,000 - $50,000
0-2 years experience
Mid-Career
$52,000 - $63,000
3-5 years experience
Senior Level
$66,000 - $80,000
6-10 years experience
Top Earners
$85,000+
10+ years or management
Salary by City in Illinois
Chicago metro accounts for over 75% of Illinois IT positions. Suburban corridors offer competitive salaries with lower housing costs and excellent school districts:
Chicago Loop: $48K-$88KSchaumburg: $45K-$82KNaperville: $44K-$80KDeerfield: $46K-$84KAurora: $42K-$72KSpringfield: $38K-$65KRockford: $36K-$60K
Top Employers Hiring A+ in Illinois
Illinois hosts a remarkable concentration of major corporations that actively hire A+ certified IT support professionals:
Motorola SolutionsAllstateUnited AirlinesBoeingCaterpillarAbbott LaboratoriesCDWMcDonald's CorpBaxter InternationalDiscover FinancialWalgreensNorthwestern Medicine
Industry Breakdown
Illinois's diversified economy creates IT opportunities across nearly every sector:
Financial Services & Insurance (25%): Trading firms, banks, Allstate, State Farm—strong benefits and bonuses
Year 8+: Director of IT / Senior roles → $100K-$140K
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average CompTIA A+ salary in Illinois?
The average CompTIA A+ salary in Illinois ranges from $42,000 for entry-level to $85,000+ for senior professionals in 2026. Chicago metro positions typically pay 10-18% above the state average, with Fortune 500 headquarters offering the most competitive packages.
Which Illinois companies hire the most A+ certified professionals?
Top employers include Motorola Solutions, Allstate, United Airlines, Boeing, Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, McDonald's Corporation, CDW, and major hospital systems. Suburban corporate campuses in Schaumburg, Naperville, and Deerfield also hire extensively.
How does Illinois cost of living affect A+ salary purchasing power?
Illinois offers excellent value—Chicago costs 30-40% less than San Francisco and 25% less than New York. A $50K A+ salary in Chicago provides purchasing power equivalent to $68K-$75K in the Bay Area, making it one of the best salary-to-cost ratios for IT professionals.
Is Chicago a good city for starting an IT career?
Yes. Chicago's concentration of Fortune 500 companies provides abundant entry-level IT positions. The city has a strong MSP (managed service provider) ecosystem, growing startup scene in the West Loop, and diverse industries that all need IT support. Public transit also makes commuting affordable.
What career path follows A+ certification in Illinois?
A typical Illinois progression: A+ Help Desk ($42K-$50K) → Network+ Systems Admin ($55K-$68K) → Security+ IT Manager ($75K-$95K) → Senior roles ($100K-$140K). Chicago's corporate density means you can advance without relocating.