Physicist Salary in Illinois
Based on 2K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$137,140
$65.93/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-10.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $221K
2K employed in Illinois
Physicists working in Illinois earn a median salary of $137,140 per year, with approximately 1,590 professionals employed throughout the state. However, physicist salary in Illinois falls about 11% below the national average, with individual earnings ranging from $81,830 to $221,380 annually depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, specific field of specialization, and employer type. Research institutions, universities, and private sector companies may offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state, industry demand, and whether physicists work in academic or applied research roles also significantly impact earning potential and career progression.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,830 |
| 25th percentile | $82,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $137,140 |
| 75th percentile | $175,510 |
| 90th percentile | $221,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,620 |
| 2023 | $144,620 |
| 2024 | $131,260 |
| 2025 | $137,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,283 |
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 | $138,620 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $144,620 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $131,260 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $137,140 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,283 | $160,651 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $137,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $175,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $221,380 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Physicist ($137,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | -29.3% | $46.61/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IL | $91,360 | -33.4% | $43.92/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IL | $87,010 | -36.6% | $41.83/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | -37.9% | $40.98/hr |
| Psychologist in IL | $83,750 | -38.9% | $40.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IL | $82,330 | -40.0% | $39.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | -40.5% | $39.23/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in IL | $136,540 | -0.4% | $65.64/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +1.4% | $66.87/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | -1.9% | $64.67/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +2.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Veterinarian in IL | $133,580 | -2.6% | $64.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Illinois?
- Physicists in Illinois earn a median salary of $137,140 per year, or approximately $66 per hour. This is about 10.8% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Illinois?
- Physicist salaries in Illinois range from $81,830 at the lower end to $221,380 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many physicists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 1,590 physicists currently employed in Illinois.
Is the physicist salary in Illinois competitive compared to the national average?
- No, the median physicist salary in Illinois at $137,140 is 10.8% lower than the national average, making it a less competitive market for this profession.