Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Illinois
Based on 150+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$87,010
$41.83/hr
vs National Average
$99,195
-12.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $173K
150 employed in Illinois
Biochemists and biophysicists in Illinois earn a median salary of $87,010 per year, according to current labor data. This figure is approximately 12% below the national average, reflecting regional variations in compensation across the scientific workforce. Currently, around 150 workers in the state hold positions in this specialized field.
Biochemist and biophysicist salary in Illinois is influenced by several factors including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specific research focus. Academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government research facilities often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Illinois and the availability of grant funding can also significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Biochemist and Biophysicist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,060 |
| 25th percentile | $67,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $87,010 |
| 75th percentile | $136,040 |
| 90th percentile | $173,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Biochemist and Biophysicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Biochemist and Biophysicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Biochemist and Biophysicists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $145,050 | 730 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $131,050 | 23K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $111,220 | 290 |
| Manufacturing | $108,360 | 7K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,090 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Biochemist and Biophysicist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,200 |
| 2023 | $93,760 |
| 2024 | $80,570 |
| 2025 | $87,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,231 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,200 | $86,103 |
| 2023 | $93,760 | $88,658 |
| 2024 | $80,570 | $94,075 |
| 2025 | $87,010 | $99,195 |
| 2026 (projected) | $92,231 | $105,147 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $87,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,040 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $173,140 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Other States
Related Biochemist and Biophysicist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Biochemist and Biophysicist ($87,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Biochemist and Biophysicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IL | $137,140 | +57.6% | $65.93/hr |
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | +11.4% | $46.61/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IL | $91,360 | +5.0% | $43.92/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | -2.0% | $40.98/hr |
| Psychologist in IL | $83,750 | -3.7% | $40.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IL | $82,330 | -5.4% | $39.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | -6.2% | $39.23/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in IL | $85,710 | -1.5% | $41.21/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IL | $84,990 | -2.3% | $40.86/hr |
| Web Developer in IL | $84,820 | -2.5% | $40.78/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | +2.9% | $43.04/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in IL | $89,800 | +3.2% | $43.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in Illinois?
- The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists in Illinois is $87,010 per year, or approximately $42 per hour. This is about 12.3% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for biochemists and biophysicists in Illinois?
- Biochemists and biophysicists in Illinois earn between $60,060 and $173,140 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. This represents a significant range of nearly $113,000 between entry-level and top-earning positions.
Is working as a biochemist in Illinois pay less than the national average?
- Yes, the median salary of $87,010 in Illinois is 12.3% lower than the national average for this role. However, top earners in the state can still reach $173,140 annually.
How many biochemist and biophysicist jobs are available in Illinois?
- There are approximately 150 biochemists and biophysicists currently employed in Illinois. This relatively small job market reflects the specialized nature of these scientific positions.