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

Environmental Scientist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median environmental scientist salary in Chicago, IL is $81,887 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$81,887
vs State Avg
+$9,183
vs National
+$5,357
Cost of Living
107%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $53,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,400 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)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,400
+$8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $51,360
25th Percentile $63,130
Median (50th) $81,887
75th Percentile $105,930
90th Percentile $134,820

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$82,652
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$72,704
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$65,051
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$62,755
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Chicago

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $81,887 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $51,360 (10th percentile) to $134,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,887, a environmental scientist in Chicago earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Chicago's median environmental scientist salary of $81,887 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $72,704. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $81,887 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Chicago? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.