Academic Program Assistant Salary in Illinois

How much does an Academic Program Assistant make in Illinois? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Program Assistant in Illinois is $54,185 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Academic Program Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,371
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,911 to $60,563
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,110

Key Factors That Influence Academic Program Assistant Salaries

An Academic Program Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Academic Program Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Program Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,797
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,200
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $53,034
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,223
  • Expert (over 8 years): $57,729
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Academic Program Assistant less than 1 year $49,797
Early Career Level Academic Program Assistant 1-2 years $50,200
Mid-Level Level Academic Program Assistant 2-4 years $53,034
Senior-Level Level Academic Program Assistant 5-8 years $56,223
Expert Level Academic Program Assistant over 8 years $57,729

Top Paying Cities for Academic Program Assistant

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $49,948
  • Saint Peter: $49,879
  • Salem: $50,069

Academic Program Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic Program Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Academic Program Assistant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Academic Program Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Academic Program Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $67,731 $33.0 25%
Internet $65,022 $31.0 20%
Software & Networking $65,022 $31.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $62,313 $30.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $59,604 $29.0 10%

Academic Program Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic Program Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$48,911
Average $54,185/year
$60,563
$4,076
Average $4,515/month
$5,047
$941
Average $1,042/week
$1,165
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,563 $5,047 $1,165 $29
Average $54,185 $4,515 $1,042 $26
25th Percentile $48,911 $4,076 $941 $24

Find Your Next Academic Program Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic Program Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Community Consolidated School District #15 | Hoffman Estates, IL

    Community Consolidated School District #15 | Hoffman Estates, IL

    Position Type:Program AssistantsDate Posted:10/16/2025Location:Frank C. Whiteley, Hoffman Estates, ILDate Available:When Filled Program Assistant185 days y... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Giant Steps Illinois Inc | Lisle, IL

    Giant Steps Illinois Inc | Lisle, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. The Program Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive direct care and instructional support to students with a... more

    6 Days Ago

  • St. John's Community Care | Collinsville, IL

    St. John's Community Care | Collinsville, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Program Assistants work under the supervision of the Program Director to meet the needs of participants in this program, ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Proviso Area for Exceptional Children | Maywood, IL

    Proviso Area for Exceptional Children | Maywood, IL

    Position Type:Support Staff/Program AssistantDate Posted:2/20/2026Location:PAEC CenterDate Available:08/12/2025Description:Special education program assist... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Rockford Park District | Rockford, IL

    Rockford Park District | Rockford, IL

    DescriptionTitleProgram AssistantDepartmentCommunity Recreation Summer PlaygroundsStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToProgram Director/Recreation C... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Northwestern University | Evanston, IL

    Northwestern University | Evanston, IL

    Apply for Job Job ID 53309Location Evanston, IllinoisAdd to Favorite Jobs Email this JobDepartment: International Stu Schol ServSalary/Grade: NEX/10The exp... more

    6 Days Ago

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