Science & Research Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Chemist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median chemist salary in Springfield, IL is $70,372 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$70,372
vs State Avg
$-8,279
vs National
$-12,418
Cost of Living
85%

Chemist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median chemist salary of $70,372, which is $8,279 below the Illinois state average of $78,651. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $70,372 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,791 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Springfield spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $120,700 at the 90th percentile — a $79,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,750. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level chemist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,750
$-20,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $52,700
Median (50th) $70,372
75th Percentile $92,650
90th Percentile $120,700

Chemist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,413
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$88,585
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$78,651
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$67,888
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Chemist in Springfield

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open chemist positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Chemist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median chemist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $70,372 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $120,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,372, a chemist in Springfield earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for chemist pay? ▼
Springfield's median chemist salary of $70,372 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $78,651. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $70,372 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Springfield? ▼
Most chemist positions in Springfield require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.