Regional Office HQ
The Sterling Regional HQ Advantage: Education, Workforce, and Quality of Life
Sterling, Illinois, is a central location for your Regional Headquarters operation without the hassle of major city traffic and other problems while still being a short drive to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) along Interstate 88.
Education
Sterling offers Regional Headquarters access to a pipeline of future talent from multiple post-secondary institutions. Whether you need 4-year, 2-year, or certified personnel, you can find them within our labor shed’s talent pipeline!
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY: 4-YEAR DEGREES
- Accountancy
- Business Analytics
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Construction & Facilities Management
- Cybersecurity
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
BLACK HAWK COLLEGE: 2-YEAR DEGREES
- Accounting
- Administrative Assisting
- Business
- Computer IT Support Technician
- Computer IT Network Administration
- Computer IT Secure Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Visual Communication
Workforce
Sterling offers a strong workforce for regional headquarters operations. The following occupations related to Regional HQ operations have shown positive growth over the past 5 years:
| % Growth | Industry |
|---|---|
|
87% |
Financial and Investment Analysts |
|
87% |
Financial Risk Specialists |
|
85% |
Project Management Specialists |
|
79% |
Data Scientists |
|
74% |
Software Developers |
|
73% |
Software Analysts & Testers |
|
68% |
Database Administrators |
|
60% |
Business Operations Specialists |
|
33% |
Public Relations Managers |
|
29% |
Administrative Services Managers |
|
22% |
Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists |
|
20% |
Human Resource Managers |
|
13% |
General and Operations Managers |
|
12% |
Human Resource Specialists |
Quality of Life
Cost of Living in Sterling is nearly 20% lower than the Illinois average and 11% lower than the US average! Our cost of living rivals our big-city neighbors – we value hard work and ensure that your dollar goes farther here. Compared to the Illinois and national averages, your purchasing power in Sterling is strong.
| Location | Annual Average Salary | Cost of Living Index (Base US) | US Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whiteside County, IL (45 min drive) |
$53,634 |
89.2 |
$60,149 |
|
Illinois |
$68,906 |
108.3 |
$63,625 |
|
USA |
$66,637 |
100.0 |
$66,637 |
Quality of Life
Cost of Living in Sterling is nearly 20% lower than the Illinois average and 11% lower than the US average! Our cost of living rivals our big-city neighbors – we value hard work and ensure that your dollar goes farther here. Compared to the Illinois and national averages, your purchasing power in Sterling is strong.
| Location | Annual Average Salary | Cost of Living Index (Base US) | US Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whiteside County, IL (45 min drive) |
$53,634 |
89.2 |
$60,149 |
|
Illinois |
$68,906 |
108.3 |
$63,625 |
|
USA |
$66,637 |
100.0 |
$66,637 |
Cultural and Recreational Amenities
Sterling City Parks
Sterling is home to seven parks maintained by the city. These neighborhood parks can be found disbursed throughout the community.
Platt Park
Dogwood Acres
Hennepin Canal
The Hennepin Canal is a man-made structure connecting Rock Falls to Sheffield, Illinois. It is lined with biking and walking trails, where visitors can take in the natural beauty of Sterling throughout the year.
Sterling Park District
In addition to city parks, the sterling park district offers recreational opportunities for people of any age. For more information on the Sterling Park District, contact them at (815) 622-6200.
- Tennis
- Golf
- Swimming
Water Recreation
Sterling has been connected to its neighbors by the waterways since its founding. While rivers and railroad originally provided transportation for members of the community, residents and visitors now use the rivers and canals of Sterling for recreation.
The Rock River
The Rock River is a beautiful recreational playground for locals and visitors. Fishermen will note that the river is teeming with the best catfish in the state. The river expands into Sinnissippi Lake at the east end of the city, allowing boaters to enjoy the waterfront on beautiful days.
