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Lower Middle Class Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We deliver best-in-class advisory work across M&A, capital raising, outsourced corporate development, and strategic CFO services--partnering with lower-middle-market companies at every stage of their ...

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$111 - $153/hr

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream. To ... at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on ...

Class A OTR Driver/Lease Owner

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Class A CDL Solo Truck Drivers Wanted DSL Express and partners are now hiring Class A CDL Solo ... Middle to lower side recently. * The average gross income is $4100 and $5200 per wk total split.

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Showing results 1-20

Lower Middle Class information

See Illinois salary details

$17.1K

$74.1K

$272.9K

How much do lower middle class jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for lower middle class in Illinois is $74,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,344.00 and $77,218.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is lower middle class?

A lower middle-class job typically refers to occupations that provide modest financial stability but do not offer significant wealth or economic security. These jobs often require some level of education or skill but may not offer high salaries, benefits, or long-term financial growth. Examples include administrative assistants, retail managers, basic technical positions, and skilled trades. Workers in these roles often earn slightly above minimum wage but may still struggle with savings and unexpected expenses.

What does lower middle class mean?

The term 'lower middle class' typically refers to a socioeconomic group that falls between the working class and the middle class. People in this group often have moderate incomes, may hold clerical, administrative, or low-level supervisory jobs, and may have some post-secondary education or vocational training. They generally have enough income to cover basic needs and some discretionary spending, but may face financial challenges with unexpected expenses. The exact definition can vary depending on country and economic context.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lower middle class worker, and why are they important?

To thrive in a lower middle class occupation, you typically need a solid work ethic, basic educational credentials such as a high school diploma or vocational training, and job-specific competencies. Familiarity with workplace technologies like point-of-sale systems, inventory software, or trade-specific tools is often required. Reliability, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help individuals excel in customer service and team-oriented environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining steady employment, advancing in one's career, and ensuring job stability in competitive sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by Customer Service Representatives when handling high call volumes, and how can they effectively manage stress in this environment?

Customer Service Representatives often encounter high call volumes, especially during peak business hours or promotional periods. This can lead to increased pressure to resolve issues quickly while maintaining professionalism and empathy. To manage stress, it is helpful to prioritize calls based on urgency, use call-handling scripts for efficiency, and take scheduled breaks to recharge. Supportive team environments and regular training also play a crucial role in helping representatives stay resilient and maintain high-quality service.

What is the difference between Lower Middle Class vs Retail Sales Associate?

AspectLower Middle ClassRetail Sales Associate
Typical CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative rolesRetail stores, customer service
Industry UsageVarious sectors including finance, educationRetail industry primarily

The Lower Middle Class generally includes individuals with office-based jobs requiring basic education, while Retail Sales Associates work in retail environments focusing on customer service. The main difference lies in the work setting and industry focus, with the Lower Middle Class having broader employment options beyond retail.

Infographic showing various Lower Middle Class job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,115 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Managing Director, M&A Advisory

Embarc Advisors

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Imagine being part of an organization that challenges and inspires you to do your best work, where you're encouraged to refine your expertise, expand your capabilities, and contribute meaningfully from day one. At Embarc Advisors, we prioritize professional growth, value innovative thinking, and recognize the impact of each team member. Join us, and be part of a firm where your potential is cultivated and your achievements are genuinely rewarded.

About Embarc Advisors

Embarc Advisors was founded to break the mold of traditional finance careers - built by a former Goldman Sachs banker and McKinsey consultant who saw a better way to do this work. We're one of the fastest-growing firms in our space, with revenue up nearly 3x over the past three years and multiple repeated rankings on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We're scaling fast, and we're doing it without sacrificing the culture that got us here.

We deliver best-in-class advisory work across M&A, capital raising, outsourced corporate development, and strategic CFO services--partnering with lower-middle-market companies at every stage of their growth journey, from first capital raise to exit.

We run like an elite team, not a traditional firm: trust-based, purpose-driven, and relentless about getting better; Kaizen isn't a poster on the wall here, it's how we operate. EOS gives us the structure and accountability to move fast without losing alignment, and it's exactly what lets us attract driven professionals and serious clients alike.

Embarc Intro Deck here: https://docsend.com/view/bej7d89ncu2mma4m

Role Overviewย 

Job Type: Full time

Position Location: Remoteย 

Managing Director, M&A Advisory

Embarc Advisors is seeking an accomplished investment banker or business broker with deep sector expertise and an established regional network to help lead our next phase of growth.

This role is designed for a proven relationship-builder who wants to spend more time originating and advising-and less time managing thinly staffed execution teams. You will bring trusted client relationships and market credibility; Embarc will provide the platform, talent, and capabilities to help you turn those relationships into a broader and more durable book of business.

You may, for example, be an industrials banker with deep relationships in Chicago or a home-services advisor with an established network in Dallasโ€“Fort Worth. The specific market can vary; what matters is genuine industry credibility and a strong local or regional presence.

Detailed Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with business owners, executives, investors, lenders, attorneys, and other referral partners.
  • Originate advisory opportunities across sell-side M&A, buy-side M&A, acquisition debt, growth equity, fractional CFO services, and quality of earnings.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to owners well before they are ready to sell, identifying the right solution for each stage of their business.
  • Lead business development and client strategy while partnering with Embarc's execution professionals to deliver exceptional work.
  • Represent Embarc in your industry and region through direct outreach, events, thought leadership, and relationship-driven marketing.

Why Embarc

  • A broader advisory platform. Traditional bankers and brokers often have only one product to sell: a sell-side engagement. Embarc gives you multiple ways to help a client across the ownership lifecycle.
  • A more diversified revenue mix. Our hourly and monthly-billed services complement transaction fees, creating more consistent cash flow than a success-fee-only model.
  • An elite execution team. Our dedicated team of 20+ professionals focuses on execution and client delivery-not selling-so you can concentrate on relationships and winning business.
  • Experienced talent. Our team averages more than 10 years of experience across private equity, investment banking, corporate development, Big Four accounting, public-company finance, and PE-backed portfolio-company leadership.
  • A compelling market position. We excel in the lower middle market, particularly with companies generating approximately $1 million to $20 million of EBITDA.
  • Brand and marketing support. You will be backed by an established brand and dedicated marketing leadership.
  • A high-performing platform. Embarc has grown +80% year over year and continuing at 3%โ€“4% month over month
  • The firm has historically closed more than 85% of its transactions, and benefits from strong client satisfaction and referrals.
  • Significant whitespace. To date, approximately 95% of new-client origination has come from one person-demonstrating the runway available to the right coverage leaders.

Who We're Looking For

  • A successful investment banker, M&A advisor, or business broker with a demonstrated ability to originate and close engagements.
  • Meaningful expertise and strong credibility in a defined industry vertical.
  • An established network within a specific U.S. city, region, or business community.
  • A consultative, long-term approach to relationships-not a purely transactional sales style.
  • The judgment and executive presence to advise founders, family-owned businesses, private equity firms, and senior management teams.
  • A collaborative mindset and a high bar for integrity, responsiveness, and client service.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  • High level of professionalism and discretion handling confidential information.

Why This Role is Different

Many owners in your network are not ready to sell today-but they may need help with accounting, finance, quality of earnings, acquisitions, debt, growth capital, or pre-exit planning. Embarc enables you to serve those clients now, deepen the relationship over time, and remain their trusted advisor when a transaction eventually becomes the right answer.

If you have built a strong market presence and want an institutional-quality platform behind you, we would like to hear from you.

Our Benefits Include

  • Competitive compensation plus semi-annual performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting and employer match after one year
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Unlimited vacation time and accrued paid sick leave
  • Short-term disability insurance
  • Three team offsites per year, to connect, recharge, and grow together

About Embarc Advisors

Embarc Advisors is a rapidly growing lower-middle-market advisory firm providing sell-side and buy-side M&A advisory, capital advisory, quality of earnings, and fractional CFO services. We combine senior-level advice with a deeply experienced execution team to help business owners and investors make better decisions and achieve stronger outcomes.