Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Food Scientists and Technologists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $101,070. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $92,790, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of doing business within this key Midwestern hub. The concentration of related industries and specialized research institutions likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $101,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $144,690.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 570 Food Scientists and Technologists and a Location Quotient of 1.37, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a robust job market for this profession. A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of these jobs locally compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+8.9%above the national average.
$48.6
$1,944
$8,423
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized food innovation, and the need for regulatory compliance likely drive this upward salary trajectory, ensuring competitive compensation for professionals in this field.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $120,000. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available through dedicated professional development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,170 | $29.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $75,803 | $36.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,320 | $47.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $126,338 | $60.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $144,690 | $69.6 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$101,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$101,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $101,070 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary earned by Food Scientists and Technologists in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings effectively offset the cost of living, providing a stable financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
0.128
Per 1K Jobs
1.37
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.37, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.37 for Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin indicates a market that is 37% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where opportunities are more plentiful relative to the size of the national workforce, making it an attractive location for both job seekers and employers in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $101,070. This typically ranges from $62,170 for entry-level positions to $144,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 8.9% higher than the national median of $92,790.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, it is a lucrative location.Food Scientists and Technologists in this area earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $101,070, which is notably higher than the national average of $92,790.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Chicago?
A Location Quotient of 1.37 means that Food Scientists and Technologists are more concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and potentially more job opportunities.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Chicago?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $101,070 salary in Chicago offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
How many Food Scientists and Technologists work in the Chicago area?
There are approximately 570 Food Scientists and Technologists employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.128 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN