Chicago Sets Pace for New Hiring

What Happens in Chi-Town: Hiring signs in greater Chicago also betoken a hidden optimism about the national economy. Although so-called experts continue to whine about a “slowdown” and potential recession in 2008, Chicago-area companies are gearing up their hiring machinery. According to recruiting firm SRI, based in Schaumburg, Illinois, 56 percent of middle-market companies in metro Chicago expect to hire one to five salaried employees during the ensuing 12 months. Nearly 20 percent plan to add 10 or more new people, mostly to keep pace with sustained job growth. Those fortunate enough to land one of these new jobs stand to make out well. About 61 percent can expect to earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, while 36 percent could rake in $25,000 to $50,000 a year.