Environmental Scientist Salary in Illinois
Based on 2K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$81,590
$39.23/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+1.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $153K
2K employed in Illinois
Environmental Scientist salary in Illinois averages $81,590 per year, which is 2% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 1,550 environmental scientists across various sectors. Salaries in this field range from $46,540 at the entry level to $153,150 for experienced professionals, reflecting significant variation based on individual qualifications and career progression.
Several factors influence earning potential for environmental scientists in Illinois. Education level, certifications, and years of experience play crucial roles in salary determination. Industry sector—whether working for government agencies, consulting firms, or private corporations—also affects compensation. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and specialization in areas like water quality or remediation further impact what professionals can expect to earn.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,540 |
| 25th percentile | $60,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,590 |
| 75th percentile | $121,040 |
| 90th percentile | $153,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,030 |
| 2023 | $76,200 |
| 2024 | $89,010 |
| 2025 | $81,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,590 |
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 | $67,030 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $76,200 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $89,010 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $81,590 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,590 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $121,040 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,150 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Environmental Scientist ($81,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IL | $137,140 | +68.1% | $65.93/hr |
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | +18.8% | $46.61/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IL | $91,360 | +12.0% | $43.92/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IL | $87,010 | +6.6% | $41.83/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | +4.5% | $40.98/hr |
| Psychologist in IL | $83,750 | +2.6% | $40.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IL | $82,330 | +0.9% | $39.58/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IL | $81,180 | -0.5% | $39.03/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in IL | $81,180 | -0.5% | $39.03/hr |
| Data Analyst in IL | $81,090 | -0.6% | $38.99/hr |
| Producer and Director in IL | $81,080 | -0.6% | $38.98/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IL | $80,550 | -1.3% | $38.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Illinois?
- Environmental scientists in Illinois earn a median salary of $81,590 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is 1.9% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Illinois?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Illinois range from $46,540 at the lower end to $153,150 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is environmental science a well-paying career in Illinois?
- Yes, environmental science offers competitive compensation in Illinois with a median salary of $81,590 annually, which exceeds the national average by 1.9% and provides solid earning potential up to $153,150 for experienced professionals.
How many environmental scientists work in Illinois?
- There are currently 1,550 environmental scientists employed in Illinois, indicating a moderate-sized professional workforce in the state.