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

Geologist Salary in Illinois

The median geologist salary in Illinois is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$79,496
vs National
$-4,184
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Geologist Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $48,450
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $79,496
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Geologist Salary by City in Illinois

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

Chicago, IL
$89,538
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$79,496
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$90,374
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$68,618
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$71,128
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Geologist in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Geologist Jobs in Illinois

Browse open geologist positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Geologist make in Illinois? ▼
The median geologist salary in Illinois is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,450 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,496, a geologist in Illinois earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for geologists? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $51,300, while senior professionals earn $133,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Illinois's median of $79,496 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($81,170) and Pennsylvania ($80,333).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Illinois earns approximately $51,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $133,000.
What city in Illinois pays geologists the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for geologists, with a median salary of $90,374. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.