10 Major Illinois Industries to Consider if You’re Working in or Moving to the Prairie State
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If you’re considering moving to the Prairie State, understanding the major industries in Illinois can help you picture your new life. The state boasts a diverse economy, offering opportunities in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Chicago or apartments in Springfield, Illinois provides options for professionals at every career stage. With a strong transportation network, top universities, and a skilled workforce, Illinois is an attractive place for job seekers. Let’s explore some of the industries driving the state’s economy and why they matter to those considering a move.
Illinois at a glance: Home prices, income, and employment
Top 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
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Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
10 major industries in Illinois
1. Manufacturing
Major Employers: Caterpillar Inc. (locations in Illinois), John Deere (Moline), Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago)
Illinois is a manufacturing powerhouse, producing everything from heavy machinery to food products. Caterpillar and John Deere provide jobs in engineering, production, and logistics. ADM offers roles in food processing and supply chain management. Manufacturing thrives here due to access to transportation and raw materials. For homebuyers and renters, this industry ensures economic stability and growth.
Major Employers: Northwestern Medicine (Chicago), Advocate Aurora Health (Downers Grove), OSF HealthCare (Peoria)
Healthcare is one of Illinois’ largest and most vital sectors. Northwestern Medicine employs medical professionals, administrators, and researchers. Advocate Aurora Health provides opportunities in nursing, patient care, and operations. OSF HealthCare offers positions in smaller cities like Peoria, boosting local economies. This robust sector guarantees a strong demand for housing in communities across the state.
Major Employers: University of Illinois System (Champaign), Northwestern University (Evanston), Illinois State University (Normal)
Illinois is home to world-class educational institutions offering roles in teaching, administration, and research. The University of Illinois provides opportunities for faculty, tech support, and operations staff. Northwestern University attracts global talent, enhancing the appeal of nearby Evanston for residents. Education remains a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy, generating almost $50 billion in revenue. The abundance of opportunities in this field make the state ideal for lifelong learning and professional development.
Major Employers: Allstate (Northbrook), CME Group (Chicago), State Farm (Bloomington)
Illinois’ financial sector is centered in Chicago, home to global giants like CME Group. Allstate and State Farm offer jobs in risk management, underwriting, and IT. This industry supports communities throughout Illinois with competitive wages and career advancement. Residents benefit from a strong local economy and access to services like banking and insurance.
Major Employers: United Airlines (Chicago), Schneider National (locations in Illinois), BNSF Railway (locations in Illinois)
Illinois serves as a central transportation hub for the country. United Airlines, which transported over 160 million passengers in 2023, employs professionals in logistics, maintenance, and customer service. Warehousing companies and railroads, such as BNSF, contribute to the state’s role in global trade. Living in Illinois means access to well-connected cities and abundant career opportunities.
Major Employers: Motorola Solutions (Chicago), Grubhub (Chicago), CDW (Vernon Hills)
The tech sector in Illinois is growing rapidly, driven by companies like Motorola Solutions. Grubhub’s headquarters in Chicago offers tech jobs in app development, data science, and user experience. CDW supports the sector with IT infrastructure solutions. This innovation attracts skilled professionals, bolstering local housing markets.
Major Employers: Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago), Ingredion (Westchester), Monsanto (locations in Illinois)
With over 70,000 farms throughout the state, Illinois is a leader in agriculture, producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. ADM and Ingredion employ workers in food science, logistics, and product development. Agribusiness supports rural communities with stable jobs and economic activity. Residents enjoy a connection to local food production and thriving agricultural towns.
Major Employers: Walgreens Boots Alliance (Deerfield), Ace Hardware (Oak Brook), ALDI (Batavia)
Illinois boasts a robust retail sector, anchored by companies like Walgreens Boots Alliance. Ace Hardware provides roles in operations, marketing, and supply chain management. Retail offers numerous jobs for residents in both urban and suburban areas. Its presence ensures economic activity and convenience for Illinois residents.
Major Employers: Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG (all based out of state with locations in Illinois)
Professional services thrive in Illinois, offering roles in consulting, accounting, and legal services. Major firms like Accenture and Deloitte hire 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 this area.
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10. Energy
Major Employers: Exelon (Chicago), Constellation Energy (locations in Illinois), BP (locations in Illinois)
Energy companies in Illinois focus on both traditional and renewable sources. Exelon and Constellation Energy provide jobs in power generation, engineering, and administration. With a mix of nuclear, wind, and solar projects, the state leads in clean energy innovation. The industry’s expansion benefits local economies and offers sustainable living options.
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