In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $93,920. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $91,840, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the concentration of relevant industries likely contribute to this favorable pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $155,550.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 31,130 individuals in these scientific fields, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a significant presence. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs (6.959 per 1,000 workers) points to a robust and active job market for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+2.3%above the national average.
$45.2
$1,806
$7,827
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and demonstrated success in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,560 | $23.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,440 | $33.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,420 | $39.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,400 | $56.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $155,550 | $74.8 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $93,920 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
31,130
Total Jobs
6.959
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.74x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are slightly less concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area compared to the national average. While not a hub of extreme specialization, the presence of 31,130 workers suggests a healthy and established market with consistent demand for these professionals, offering a balanced competitive landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,070↓ 23% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $80,430↓ 14% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,720↓ 25% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,640↓ 17% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $93,190↓ 1% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $93,920. This typically ranges from $49,560 for entry-level positions to $155,550 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 2.3% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $93,920 slightly exceeds the national average, 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 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($72,070) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $93,920, which is slightly higher than the national average of $91,840.
What is the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compared to the national average?
The cost of living index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there.
How concentrated are Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that these occupations are slightly less concentrated in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin than the national average, but the total workforce size indicates a substantial presence.
What does the job market look like for these science roles in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
With 6.959 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 31,130, the job market is active and offers numerous opportunities for professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 31,130 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 6.959 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN