Science & Research Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Chemist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median chemist salary in Chicago, IL is $88,585 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$88,585
vs State Avg
+$9,934
vs National
+$5,795
Cost of Living
107%

Chemist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level chemist earns around $53,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,880
+$5,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,450
+$9,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $51,360
25th Percentile $66,340
Median (50th) $88,585
75th Percentile $116,630
90th Percentile $151,940

Chemist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,413
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$78,651
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$70,372
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$67,888
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Chemist in Chicago

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.