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Average Conservation Scientists Salary in Illinois

Conservation Scientists in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $74,990, surpassing the national average of $72,360. This higher compensation in Illinois can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific environmental needs and the demand for specialized ecological expertise within its diverse landscapes and conservation initiatives.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,030.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 730 Conservation Scientists, Illinois presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating that while opportunities exist, the field is not overly saturated, offering a moderate level of job security and potential for growth.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,990

The average Conservation Scientists in Illinois earns+3.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$36.1

Weekly

$1,442

Monthly

$6,249

Conservation Scientists Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career trajectory for Conservation Scientists in Illinois typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The increasing salary percentiles clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$39,540$19
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$56,243$27
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$72,550$34.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$93,738$45.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$113,030$54.3

Detailed Conservation Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$81,688

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $74,990 in Illinois offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing Conservation Scientists to enjoy a better quality of life and greater financial flexibility compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

730

Total Jobs

0.12

Per 1K Jobs

0.73

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.73x the national average concentration of Conservation Scientists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.73 for Conservation Scientists in Illinois indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state than the national average. This suggests that while there is a dedicated workforce, the demand might be more specialized or spread across fewer organizations, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for highly qualified candidates but also fewer overall opportunities compared to more concentrated regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Conservation Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Champaign-Urbana, IL Conservation Scientists Salary$82,830↑ 10%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Conservation Scientists make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Conservation Scientists in Illinois is $74,990. This typically ranges from $39,540 for entry-level positions to $113,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 3.6% higher than the national median of $72,360.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Conservation Scientists?

Yes, Illinois offers a lucrative environment for Conservation Scientists.Conservation Scientists in Illinois earn an average of $74,990 annually, exceeding the national average, and benefit from a cost of living that is below the national index.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Conservation Scientists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Champaign-Urbana, IL ($82,830) and others.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

Conservation Scientists in Illinois earn an average of $74,990 per year, which is higher than the national average of $72,360.

What is the concentration of Conservation Scientists in Illinois?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.73, indicating a slightly lower presence of Conservation Scientists in Illinois compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $74,990 salary provides greater purchasing power.

What is the total number of Conservation Scientists in Illinois?

There are approximately 730 Conservation Scientists employed in Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.12 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Conservation Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois