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Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Illinois

Environmental Engineers in Illinois earn an impressive average annual salary of $123,650, surpassing the national average of $113,240. This elevated compensation reflects the state's robust industrial and environmental regulatory landscape, driving demand for specialized engineering expertise.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $123,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,070.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,410 Environmental Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.94, Illinois presents a stable, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration, job market for these professionals. The presence of a significant workforce indicates established opportunities, suggesting a consistent demand for environmental engineering services within the state's diverse economic sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$123,650

The average Environmental Engineers in Illinois earns+9.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$59.5

Weekly

$2,378

Monthly

$10,304

Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Illinois

Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in Illinois typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $150,000 annually. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$69,590$33.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$92,738$44.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$107,550$51.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$154,563$74.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$150,070$72.1

Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$123,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$134,695

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $123,650 in Illinois offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with 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 into a higher real income, allowing Environmental Engineers to enjoy a better standard of living and greater financial flexibility compared to many other states.

Job Market Context

1,410

Total Jobs

0.232

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.94x the national average concentration of Environmental Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

An Illinois Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that Environmental Engineers are employed in the state at a rate very close to the national average. While not a hotspot of extreme concentration, this figure indicates a healthy and balanced job market where demand aligns well with the available talent pool, making it a competitive yet accessible environment for professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Peoria, IL Environmental Engineers Salary$114,640↓ 7%43 mi
Springfield, IL Environmental Engineers Salary$99,550↓ 19%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Environmental Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Illinois is $123,650. This typically ranges from $69,590 for entry-level positions to $150,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 9.2% higher than the national median of $113,240.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?

Yes, Illinois is a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers.Environmental Engineers in Illinois earn above the national average salary, and the state's cost of living is below the national average, enhancing real income.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?

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 Peoria, IL ($114,640) and Springfield, IL.

What is the average salary for an Environmental Engineer in Illinois?

The average annual salary for an Environmental Engineer in Illinois is $123,650.

How does Illinois's cost of living compare to the national average?

Illinois has a cost of living index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100, making it more affordable than the typical US state.

Is the job market for Environmental Engineers strong in Illinois?

The job market is stable, with a significant workforce and a Location Quotient close to the national average, indicating consistent demand.

How does experience affect an Environmental Engineer's salary in Illinois?

Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level engineers earning less and senior professionals commanding much higher salaries, reflecting career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,410 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.232 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois