Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $87,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, a common trend influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands within the state's scientific sectors. The localized pay reflects the unique balance of industry needs and workforce availability within Illinois.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,060.
- Outlook: Illinois boasts a substantial workforce of 42,610 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the state's concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable yet not overly saturated job market. The presence of over 7 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for scientific talent across various industries within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Illinois earns-4.8%below the national average.
$42
$1,681
$7,283
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Illinois have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is driven by advancements in scientific research, increased investment in technology, and a growing need for specialized expertise across sectors like healthcare, environmental science, and biotechnology within the state.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within Illinois typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential and clear career advancement pathways available to dedicated individuals in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $43,240 | $20.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,550 | $31.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,430 | $37.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $109,250 | $52.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $142,060 | $68.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$95,207
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $87,400 in Illinois for these science roles presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average (100). This means that the $87,400 salary offers a higher purchasing power and a better quality of life for residents compared to earning the same nominal amount in a higher cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
42,610
Total Jobs
7.026
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.75x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.75 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Illinois indicates that these roles are less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is robust, with 42,610 professionals employed, there may be fewer specialized opportunities compared to national hubs. However, this lower concentration can also mean less intense competition for skilled individuals seeking employment in these fields within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $80,570↓ 8% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,030↓ 16% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,630↓ 15% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,610↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $88,270↑ 1% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Illinois is $87,400. This typically ranges from $43,240 for entry-level positions to $142,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 4.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Illinois offers a competitive average salary of $87,400, which, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides strong purchasing power. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the overall financial well-being for these professionals is favorable.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 Bloomington, IL ($80,570) and Decatur, IL.
How does Illinois's average salary for science roles compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Illinois is $87,400, which is approximately $4,440 lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the total number of science professionals in Illinois?
Illinois employs a significant workforce of 42,610 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
Is the cost of living in Illinois higher or lower than the national average?
Illinois has a cost of living index of 91.8, which is lower than the national average index of 100, making it a more affordable state to live in.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.75 signify for science jobs in Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 0.75 means that Illinois has about 75% of the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations relative to its total workforce, indicating a slightly lower but still present demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 42,610 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 7.026 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 Illinois