Psychologist Salary in Illinois
Based on 6K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$83,750
$40.26/hr
vs National Average
$97,188
-13.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $169K
6K employed in Illinois
The median Psychologist salary in Illinois is $83,750 per year, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure is notably 13.8% lower than the national average for the profession. With a total of 5,810 psychologists employed in the state, Illinois offers a significant market for mental health professionals.
Several factors can influence the Psychologist salary in Illinois. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning higher wages. Additionally, specialization within psychology, the type of employer (e.g., private practice, hospital, government agency), and geographic location within Illinois can all impact earning potential. Educational attainment and specific certifications may also affect salary.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,580 |
| 25th percentile | $53,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,750 |
| 75th percentile | $126,890 |
| 90th percentile | $168,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychologists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | 63K |
| Educational Services | $91,550 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,263 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,750 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,263 | $100,104 |
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $126,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,730 |
Psychologist Salary in Other States
Related Psychologist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Psychologist ($83,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in IL | $137,140 | +63.7% | $65.93/hr |
| Geoscientist in IL | $96,950 | +15.8% | $46.61/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IL | $91,360 | +9.1% | $43.92/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in IL | $87,010 | +3.9% | $41.83/hr |
| Chemist in IL | $85,230 | +1.8% | $40.98/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IL | $82,330 | -1.7% | $39.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IL | $81,590 | -2.6% | $39.23/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in IL | $84,090 | +0.4% | $40.43/hr |
| Web Developer in IL | $84,820 | +1.3% | $40.78/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IL | $84,990 | +1.5% | $40.86/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in IL | $85,710 | +2.3% | $41.21/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IL | $81,180 | -3.1% | $39.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a psychologist in Illinois?
- The salary range for psychologists in Illinois generally falls between $36,580 and $168,730 annually. This wide spectrum reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
How does the average psychologist salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- Psychologists in Illinois earn, on average, 13.8% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median salary in Illinois is $83,750, while the national median is higher.
What is the hourly wage for a psychologist in Illinois?
- For psychologists earning the median salary in Illinois, the hourly wage is approximately $40 per hour. This is calculated based on a standard 40-hour work week.
How many psychologists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 5,810 psychologists currently employed in Illinois. This indicates a substantial presence of the profession within the state.