Medical Scientist Salary in Illinois
Based on 5K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$82,330
$39.58/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
-10.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $144K
5K employed in Illinois
Medical scientist salary in Illinois averages $82,330 per year, with approximately 4,700 professionals currently employed in the state. This represents an 11% decrease compared to the national average, though positions remain competitive within Illinois's robust healthcare and research sectors. Salaries in this field range from $59,550 to $143,890 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence medical scientist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic medical centers typically offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Illinois, specific scientific focus areas, and whether positions involve grant-funded research also play meaningful roles in determining individual salaries within this professional field.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,550 |
| 25th percentile | $65,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,330 |
| 75th percentile | $104,700 |
| 90th percentile | $143,890 |
Top-Paying Industries for Medical Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Medical Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Medical Scientists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $160,000 | 6K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $132,720 | 3K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $132,620 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,340 | 63K |
| Manufacturing | $118,960 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,470 |
| 2023 | $89,750 |
| 2024 | $78,430 |
| 2025 | $82,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,424 |
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 | $82,470 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $89,750 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $78,430 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $82,330 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,424 | $96,830 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $143,890 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Medical Scientist ($82,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IL | $137,140 | +66.6% | $65.93/hr |
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | +17.8% | $46.61/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IL | $91,360 | +11.0% | $43.92/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IL | $87,010 | +5.7% | $41.83/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | +3.5% | $40.98/hr |
| Psychologist in IL | $83,750 | +1.7% | $40.26/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | -0.9% | $39.23/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IL | $81,180 | -1.4% | $39.03/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in IL | $81,180 | -1.4% | $39.03/hr |
| Data Analyst in IL | $81,090 | -1.5% | $38.99/hr |
| Producer and Director in IL | $81,080 | -1.5% | $38.98/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in IL | $84,090 | +2.1% | $40.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Illinois?
- The median salary for medical scientists in Illinois is $82,330 per year, or $40 per hour. This is about 10.7% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Illinois?
- Medical scientists in Illinois earn between $59,550 and $143,890 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career stage and specific medical science roles.
How many medical scientists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 4,700 medical scientists currently employed in Illinois, making it a notable job market for this profession in the state.
Is the medical scientist salary in Illinois higher or lower than the national average?
- Illinois medical scientist salaries are 10.7% lower than the national average, with the state median of $82,330 falling below the typical compensation for this field across the United States.