Chicago is one of the largest cities and economies in the United States. Its unique Midwest location means there is a broad range of jobs, from finance and business to agricultural management and transportation engineering. There are also hundreds of foreign-owned companies operating in Chicago, which can be good news for job-hunting expats – especially those who might already be working for such a company and be able to arrange a transfer.Â
 Things to keep in mind before moving to Chicago for work
Anyone wanting to work in the US is required to have a work visa and it can be one of the biggest challenges faced by expats looking for employment abroad. The process must be initiated by a sponsoring employer and is time-consuming and expensive. This means you must have an offer of employment before you may begin the visa application process. That said, expats with advanced degreesÌý²¹²Ô»å specialized skills who are fluent English speakers will fare better than most when it comes to finding an employer willing to go through the sponsorship process. More recently, USCIS updated its O-1 visa policy, meaning applicants can now own the company that sponsors their O-1 visa, providing more flexibility for entrepreneurs.
Popular industries in Chicago
Chicago's largest employment sectors include private education and health services, government, and leisure and hospitality. Professional and business services, as well as manufacturing, have seen job losses recently.
Finance and business
Chicago is renowned for its financial sector, which houses the headquarters of major banks and financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, Fifth Third Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Northern Trust, and U.S. Bank. The city is renowned for its derivatives and futures markets, with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) being a prominent player. Additionally, Chicago is a hub for business services, including consulting firms, accounting, legal services, and advertising agencies.
Engineering, transportation, and logistics
Located right in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago serves as a major transportation and logistics hub. The city's central location and extensive transportation infrastructure, including air, rail, and waterways, make it a natural center for distribution, warehousing, and freight transportation. Jobs like flight and civil engineers, pilots, and safety inspectors are all well represented in the Chi-Town economy.
Manufacturing
Famously, Chicago has a long and significant history as a manufacturing powerhouse and was once known as the nation's industrial heartland. While the sector has declined in recent decades, it still plays an important role in the regional economy. Manufacturing in Chicago today focuses on advanced production, food processing, metal fabrication, and electronics. However, the sector has recently faced job losses due to automation and global economic shifts, with recent tariff policies being particularly disruptive.
Tech
The tech sector is a major area of growth in Chicago. The city's tech workforce has grown 18% over the past decade, with median tech wages now at a massive $42/hour, which is 1.5 times the city's average. Top tech employers include Google, Amazon, Avant, Integral Ad Science, Comcast Advertising, ActiveCampaign, Northwestern Mutual, Relativity, Sprout Social, Morningstar, Paylocity, Uptake, and more. The city is home to America's first Quantum Campus, expected to generate USD 20 billion in economic impact over the next decade. In-demand tech roles include AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and climate tech. Chicago's tech scene is diverse, with 34% of startups led by women, more than double the global average.
Education
Chicago's large metropolitan area means there are lots of primary and secondary schools, as well as several large tertiary providers. As you might expect, Chicago has a thriving education industry, with a concentration of universities, colleges, and research institutions. The city is a hub for higher education and attracts students from around the world. Universities include the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Healthcare
Hospitals are among Chicago's largest employers as well as the home of many of the city's highest-paying jobs. Surgeons, general practitioners, anesthesiologists, dentists, and nurse educators are all in high demand. Medical institutions include Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medical Center, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Labor market in Chicago
Like most places, the COVID-19 pandemic had a big impact on Chicago's economy, but things are slowly bouncing back, and despite some difficult periods, things are looking generally positive for the Windy City. Currently, the unemployment rate in the wider Chicago metro area is 5.3%, up slightly from 5.2% a year earlier. Chicago's city unemployment rate sits at 4.4%. Wage growth in Chicago is currently lagging behind the national average, and the city has a higher unemployment rate compared to other major cities.
How to find a job in Chicago?
Local resources are the best place to begin your employment search. Look at job search engines that are specifically focused on Chicago and at local newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune (these are online as well). If you belong to a specialized or in-demand industry, research and contact a local recruitment agency to build connections. Additionally, leverage your network and membership in professional organizations as this is the best way to hear about newly listed or unadvertised jobs.
Some Chicago-specific online resources include:
- (official city jobs and links to public/private/nonprofit sector openings)
- : statewide workforce development portal with job listings, resume tools, and training opportunities
- Major online job boards: , , (for tech),
- Chicago Public Library: for local job search and digital skills resources
- Networking: events at
Applying for a job in Chicago
When sending out your resume (CV), it's important to try to stand out from the crowd. Learn how to compose an , and research companies that you're interested in before you apply to highlight the skills and experience that would most interest them. Also, ensure that your LinkedIn and business networking profiles reflect these same changes.
Good to know:
The official offers free career services, including information about career fairs and a CV builder. Additionally, the publishes a quarterly review of the unemployment rate and the labor market, which may be helpful with your job search.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
