Science & Research Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Environmental Scientist Salary in Illinois

The median environmental scientist salary in Illinois is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $76,530.

Median Salary
$72,704
vs National
$-3,826
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $56,050
Median (50th) $72,704
75th Percentile $94,050
90th Percentile $119,700

Environmental Scientist Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for environmental scientists in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$81,887
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$72,704
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$82,652
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$62,755
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$65,051
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Illinois

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Illinois? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Illinois is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $119,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,704, a environmental scientist in Illinois earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for environmental scientists? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for environmental scientist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level environmental scientists earn $47,500, while senior professionals earn $114,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for environmental scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental scientists is Hawaii at $130,101. Illinois's median of $72,704 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($74,234) and Pennsylvania ($73,469).
What is the entry-level environmental scientist salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level environmental scientist in Illinois earns approximately $47,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,000.
What city in Illinois pays environmental scientists the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for environmental scientists, with a median salary of $82,652. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.