If you’re considering moving to the Prairie State, understanding Illinois’ major industries will help you visualize your new life. The state boasts a diverse economy, offering opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and more. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Chicago or apartments in Springfield, Illinois offers options for professionals at every career stage. With a strong transportation network, top universities, and skilled workforce, Illinois is an attractive location for job seekers. Let’s explore some of the industries that drive the state’s economy and why they’re important to people considering moving here.
Illinois Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Illinois
Illinois: 144,900 employees Walmart: 57,400 employees Chicago: 44,900 employees Amazon: 38,000 employees Cook County: 13,100 employees
Illinois’ 10 Major Industries
1. Manufacturing
Major Employers: Caterpillar Inc. (Illinois location), John Deere (Moline), Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago)
Illinois is a manufacturing powerhouse, producing everything from heavy equipment to food. Caterpillar and John Deere offer engineering, production and logistics jobs. ADM offers food processing and supply chain management roles. Manufacturing is thriving here thanks to access to transportation and raw materials. For home buyers and renters, this industry ensures economic stability and growth.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Moline.
2. Medical care and social assistance
Major Employers: Northwestern Medicine (Chicago), Advocate Aurora Health (Downers Grove), OSF HealthCare (Peoria)
Health care is one of Illinois’ largest and most important sectors. Northwestern Medicine employs medical professionals, administrators, and researchers. Advocate Aurora Health offers opportunities in nursing, patient care, and surgery. OSF HealthCare offers positions in small cities like Peoria, boosting the local economy. This robust sector ensures strong demand for housing in communities across the state.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Peoria.
3. Education
Major Employers: University of Illinois System (Champaign), Northwestern University (Evanston), Illinois State University (General)
Illinois is home to world-class educational institutions offering teaching, administrative, and research roles. The University of Illinois offers opportunities for faculty, technical support, and administrative staff. Northwestern University attracts world-class talent and enhances its appeal to nearby Evanston residents. Education remains the cornerstone of the Illinois economy, generating approximately $50 billion in revenue. The abundance of opportunities in this field makes the state ideal for lifelong learning and professional development.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Champaign or Evanston.
4. Finance and Insurance
Major Employers: Allstate (Northbrook), CME Group (Chicago), State Farm (Bloomington)
Illinois’ financial sector is concentrated in Chicago, home to world-leading companies such as CME Group. Allstate and State Farm offer jobs in risk management, underwriting, and IT. This industry supports communities across Illinois with competitive wages and career advancement. Residents benefit from a strong local economy and access to services such as banking and insurance.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider selling a home in Chicago or Bloomington.
5. Transportation and warehousing
Major Employers: United Airlines (Chicago), Schneider National (Illinois location), BNSF Railway (Illinois location)
Illinois serves as the nation’s central transportation hub. United Airlines, which transported more than 160 million passengers in 2023, employs experts in logistics, maintenance and customer service. Warehousing companies and railroads such as BNSF contribute to the country’s role in global trade. Living in Illinois means access to great transportation and a wealth of career opportunities.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Naperville.
6. Technology and software development
Major employers: Motorola Solutions (Chicago), Grubhub (Chicago), CDW (Vernon Hills)
Illinois’ technology sector is growing rapidly with companies like Motorola Solutions. Grubhub’s headquarters in Chicago offers tech jobs in app development, data science, and user experience. CDW supports this area with IT infrastructure solutions. This innovation will attract skilled professionals and strengthen the local housing market.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Vernon Hills.
7. Agriculture
Major Employers: Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago), Ingredion (Westchester), Monsanto (Illinois locations)
With more than 70,000 farms in the state, Illinois is an agricultural leader producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. ADM and Ingredion employ workers in food science, logistics and product development. Agribusiness supports rural communities with stable employment and economic activity. Residents enjoy local food production and a connection to a thriving agricultural city.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Westchester.
8. Retail industry
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 offers roles in operations, marketing, and supply chain management. Retail provides numerous jobs for residents in both urban and suburban areas. Its presence ensures economic activity and convenience for Illinois residents.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Deerfield or Oak Brook.
9. Professional Services
Major Employers: Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG (all based out of state and in Illinois)
Professional services are thriving in Illinois, offering roles in consulting, accounting, legal services, and more. Leading companies such as Accenture and Deloitte are hiring in IT, project management, and finance. This sector attracts highly educated workers and supports stable housing demand in urban centers. Illinois’ business-friendly environment fosters growth in this sector.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Aurora.
10. Energy
Major Employers: Exelon (Chicago), Constellation Energy (Illinois locations), BP (Illinois locations)
The Illinois energy company focuses on both traditional and renewable resources. Exelon and Constellation Energy offer jobs in power generation, engineering and management. With a combination of nuclear, wind, and solar projects, the state is leading the way in clean energy innovation. Expanding the industry benefits local economies and provides sustainable livelihood options.
Considering moving to Illinois to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Chicago or Naperville.
