Economy & jobs
Chicago has a globally connected economy with strengths in technology, aerospace and research.
Chicago has a globally connected economy with strengths in technology, aerospace and research.
Chicago, United States is classified as a global hub in our deterministic economy index. These are planning estimates derived from country economic priors and existing city signals — not measured GDP or labour-market statistics. Data year 2025; last updated 2026-05-16.
The sectors that most shape the local economy, derived deterministically from country and city signals.
The breadth of the labour market and where opportunities concentrate.
Chicago's labour market is very strong, with opportunities concentrated in technology, education and research and finance and professional services.
Estimated pay levels and how far local incomes stretch against the cost of living.
The affordability-adjusted income score combines estimated pay with the local cost of living, indicating how far a typical income stretches in Chicago.
Conditions for operating and growing a business locally.
This reflects infrastructure, institutional capacity, and the scale of the local market relative to peer cities.
How supportive the local ecosystem is for new ventures.
The startup ecosystem in Chicago is very strong, supported by universities and skilled talent, a favourable business environment and strong infrastructure.
Suitability for remote and distributed work.
Chicago offers strong infrastructure and amenities for remote professionals, with a remote-work score of 88/100.
Overall career opportunity and how it breaks down by sector.
A 0–100 composite of employment, salary, business environment, startups, innovation, remote work, and affordability-adjusted income. Used consistently across the platform.
A 0–100 labour-market composite and its sector components.
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