City of Chicago
Cost of pensions workers earn this year
$93.0 million
Exact amount: $93,011,790.00
Calendar year 2026
Employer normal cost is the actuary's estimate of what this year of work by 4,674 active firefighters adds to the pension promise, after firefighters' own contributions (p.28 and p.62). The tier split is our proxy.
The City sends one payment set by law to the retirement fund, and the fund then pays thousands of retirees, so the public records stop at how many retirees there are and what the average one gets.
Follow the money
Inside this box
Pick a rectangle to see what is inside it. Rectangle area shows positive amounts; the complete list includes reductions and tiny amounts.
On small screens, use the complete linked table below to explore each box.
All items
| Box | Amount | % of this budget |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (hired before 2011): 1,966 active members · Our estimate | $47,081,602.32 | 50.6% |
| Tier 2 (hired 2011 or later): 2,708 active members · Our estimate | $45,930,187.68 | 49.4% |
Sources
- data/leaves_pensions.json (fund actuarial valuations 12/31/2025)
More facts (5)
Open to load additional facts.