Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area, Soil and Plant Scientists earn an average annual salary of $69,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the concentration of related industries, may influence compensation levels in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,520.
- Outlook: The local job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, comprises approximately 320 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to national trends. The low number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.071) further suggests a niche market within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-19.5%below the national average.
$33.5
$1,339
$5,802
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized role is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists across the nation, including the Chicago area, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for agricultural and environmental expertise, and advancements in scientific methodologies.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Soil and Plant Scientists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,990 | $20.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,215 | $25.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,680 | $30.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $87,025 | $41.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,520 | $46.9 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,620 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Soil and Plant Scientist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.071
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.66x the national average concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists 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 0.66 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is 34% lower than the national average. This suggests that while the field is present, it is not a primary hub for this specialization, potentially leading to fewer job openings but also less intense competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $69,620. This typically ranges from $41,990 for entry-level positions to $97,520 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 19.5% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $69,620 is significantly lower than the national average of $86,470, and the job market concentration is below average.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
What is the average salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The average annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area is $69,620.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($69,620) is lower than the national average salary of $86,470 for Soil and Plant Scientists.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The Cost of Living Index for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in this area?
The job market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66, is below the national average, suggesting fewer Soil and Plant Scientist roles relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.071 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Soil and Plant Scientists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- All Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Management Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Browse All Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Soil and Plant Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN