Average Materials Scientists Salary in Illinois
Materials Scientists in Illinois earn an impressive average annual salary of $121,090, significantly surpassing the national average of $113,300. This higher compensation is likely driven by the state's robust industrial base and specialized demand for materials expertise within its key sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,810.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 470 professionals, Illinois demonstrates a notable concentration of Materials Scientists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.42. This suggests a demand that outpaces the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for these specialists within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Scientists in Illinois earns+6.9%above the national average.
$58.2
$2,329
$10,091
Materials Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for Materials Scientists in Illinois has mirrored national trends, likely experiencing steady salary growth over the past four years. Factors such as technological advancements and increased reliance on innovative materials in manufacturing and research contribute to this positive trajectory.
Materials Scientists Salary Distribution in Illinois
The career path for Materials Scientists typically involves significant salary progression. Entry-level positions often start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a substantial increase that signifies advanced expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $79,980 | $38.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,818 | $43.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $120,320 | $57.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,363 | $72.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $168,810 | $81.2 |
Detailed Materials Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$131,906
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $121,090 in Illinois presents a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This indicates that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, making Illinois an economically attractive location for Materials Scientists.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
0.077
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Materials Scientists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.42 signifies that Materials Scientists are 42% more concentrated in Illinois than the national average. This elevated presence suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out and value the expertise of these professionals, possibly leading to better compensation and career opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Scientists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Materials Scientists in Illinois is $121,090. This typically ranges from $79,980 for entry-level positions to $168,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 6.9% higher than the national median of $113,300.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Materials Scientists?
Yes, Illinois is a lucrative state for Materials Scientists.The average salary of $121,090 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing real income.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Materials Scientists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the Illinois Materials Scientist salary compare to the national average?
Materials Scientists in Illinois earn an average of $121,090 annually, which is approximately $7,790 higher than the national average of $113,300.
What is the concentration of Materials Scientists in Illinois?
Illinois has a higher concentration of Materials Scientists compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.42, indicating a strong presence in the state's workforce.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect a Materials Scientist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average. This means the $121,090 salary offers greater purchasing power for Materials Scientists residing in the state.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.42 mean for Materials Scientists in Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 1.42 suggests that Materials Scientists are more prevalent in Illinois than in the average U.S. state, implying a robust demand and specialized industry presence.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.077 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois