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

Geologist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median geologist salary in Chicago, IL is $89,538 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$89,538
vs State Avg
+$10,042
vs National
+$5,858
Cost of Living
107%

Geologist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level geologist earns around $57,780, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,780
+$3,780 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,950
+$5,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,800
+$9,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $54,570
25th Percentile $67,410
Median (50th) $89,538
75th Percentile $119,840
90th Percentile $158,360

Geologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$90,374
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$79,496
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$71,128
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$68,618
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Geologist in Chicago

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open geologist positions in Chicago, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Geologist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median geologist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $89,538 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $54,570 (10th percentile) to $158,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,538, a geologist in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for geologist pay? ▼
Chicago's median geologist salary of $89,538 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $79,496. 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 geologist salary of $89,538 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Chicago? ▼
Most geologist positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.