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Average Physicists Salary in Illinois

Physicists in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $130,060, which is notably below the national average of $177,260. This disparity is often influenced by the specific industry demands, research institutions, and the overall economic landscape within the state, which may offer different compensation structures compared to national trends.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $130,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $207,880.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,660 Physicists, Illinois presents a concentrated job market for this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.97. This suggests a higher prevalence of Physicists in Illinois relative to the national average, implying a robust demand or a strong academic and industrial presence that supports a significant number of these specialized roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$130,060

The average Physicists in Illinois earns-26.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.5

Weekly

$2,501

Monthly

$10,838

Physicists Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career trajectory for Physicists typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior Physicists, with their accumulated expertise and specialized knowledge, command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation clearly signifies substantial career progression and increased earning potential throughout one's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$78,410$37.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$97,545$46.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$131,260$63.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$162,575$78.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$207,880$99.9

Detailed Physicists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$130,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$141,678

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average Physicist salary of $130,060 in Illinois is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a comparatively higher purchasing power, meaning that $130,060 can potentially cover more expenses and provide a better standard of living than the same amount in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

1,660

Total Jobs

0.273

Per 1K Jobs

1.97

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Illinois has 2.0x the national concentration of Physicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Illinois exhibits a strong concentration of Physicists, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.97. This figure, significantly above the national average of 1.0, indicates that the state is a hub for this profession, with nearly double the expected number of Physicists per worker compared to the rest of the country. This suggests a competitive yet abundant market, with ample opportunities for both employers seeking talent and professionals seeking specialized roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physicists

CitySalaryDist.
Champaign-Urbana, IL Physicists Salary$105,340↓ 19%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physicists make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Physicists in Illinois is $130,060. This typically ranges from $78,410 for entry-level positions to $207,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 26.6% lower than the national median of $177,260.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Physicists?

Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Illinois offers a competitive average salary of $130,060 for Physicists, which is enhanced by a cost of living below the national average. While below the national average salary, the lower cost of living provides strong purchasing power.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Physicists?

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 Champaign-Urbana, IL ($105,340) and others.

How does the number of Physicists in Illinois compare nationally?

Illinois has 1,660 Physicists, representing 0.273 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average due to its strong concentration (LQ of 1.97).

What is the purchasing power of a Physicist's salary in Illinois?

With an average salary of $130,060 and a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Physicists in Illinois enjoy a higher purchasing power than the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for Physicists in Illinois?

The Location Quotient of 1.97 suggests a robust market with a high concentration of Physicists, indicating strong demand and numerous opportunities within the state.

How does experience affect a Physicist's salary in Illinois?

Experience significantly impacts earnings, with entry-level Physicists earning less and senior professionals commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear path for career and salary progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,660 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.273 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois