CHICAGO IS A POWERHOUSE OF DIVERSE TALENT
A place where workers and families can enjoy a world-class city with an affordable cost of living. In this city, businesses draw from a wealth of skilled workers across a range of industries.
Highlight and support Chicago’s talent to align with the demands of our business ecosystem
Whether it’s manufacturing, health care and life sciences, professional services, finance, insurance, wholesale, retail, transportation and logistics, hospitality, and even moviemaking
CONNECTED
3+ million working-age adults are within a 50-minute commute of downtown Chicago, and more than 1.2 million are ages 18-34.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT POOL
38.5% of the population over 24 have a bachelor’s degree or higher—more than the national average (31.3%) and the highest of the five largest U.S. cities.
COST OF LABOR
Chicago has the workforce scale of a major metro area, but labor cost is comparable to a smaller secondary market that is a third or a fourth our size.
Prosperity for Women
A report on post-pandemic prosperity for women, equitable economic recovery for women of color and pay equity by gender and race for working women, as of June 2022.
HOME TO AN UNRIVALED TALENT POOL
CHICAGO boasts one of the best quality-of-life to cost-of-living ratios in the nation. With a diversified workforce, businesses can recruit the best talent for any market
Chicago's affordable cost of living, combined with seemingly endless cultural & recreational options, add value for employees.
World Business Chicago supports programs to lift Chicago’s workforce in training and access to careers. We can connect Chicago employers to talent and workforce.