Science & Research Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Environmental Scientist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median environmental scientist salary in Rockford, IL is $62,755 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$62,755
vs State Avg
$-9,949
vs National
$-13,775
Cost of Living
82%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median environmental scientist salary of $62,755, which is $9,949 below the Illinois state average of $72,704. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $62,755 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Rockford spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $103,320 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,400. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,960
$-14,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,400
$-21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $39,360
25th Percentile $48,380
Median (50th) $62,755
75th Percentile $81,180
90th Percentile $103,320

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$82,652
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$81,887
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$72,704
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$65,051
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Rockford

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $62,755 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $103,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,755, a environmental scientist in Rockford earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Rockford's median environmental scientist salary of $62,755 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $72,704. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $62,755 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Rockford? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Rockford 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.