In the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $73,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus compared to more densely populated or specialized areas. The local job market, comprising 730 individuals in this field, suggests a more niche employment landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,820.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Central Illinois appears to be less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.46. This indicates that while the field is present, it is not a primary driver of the regional economy compared to other areas. The total local workforce of 730 suggests a stable, albeit smaller, demand for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-19.8%below the national average.
$35.4
$1,416
$6,138
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 West Central Illinois have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased demand for scientific expertise likely contribute to incremental salary increases, although the pace may differ from metropolitan hubs.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists and researchers with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching well into the six figures. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,010 | $19.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,238 | $26.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,380 | $31.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $92,063 | $44.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $117,820 | $56.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $73,650 in West Central Illinois aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by the stable cost of living, making the take-home pay's real value comparable to national standards.
Job Market Context
730
Total Jobs
4.298
Per 1K Jobs
0.46
Location Quotient
At 0.46x, West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.46, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Central Illinois is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that jobs in this sector are not as abundant or as central to the local economy as they are nationwide. While this might imply less competition for specialized roles, it also indicates fewer overall opportunities compared to more robust scientific hubs.
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↑ 9% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,030↓ 1% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,630↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,610↑ 12% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $88,270↑ 20% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $73,650. This typically ranges from $41,010 for entry-level positions to $117,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 19.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $73,650 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($80,570) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Central Illinois is $73,650, which is approximately 20% lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the Cost of Living in West Central Illinois?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for these science roles in this area?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.46, suggesting these roles are not as prevalent as in other regions.
How many people work in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in this region?
There are approximately 730 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.298 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area