Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Illinois
Yes, Illinois is a highly lucrative market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss. With an average annual salary of $80,240, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,120.
- Outlook: The current demand for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Illinois economy.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois earns+10.0%above the national average.
$38.6
$1,543
$6,687
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries in Illinois have shown healthy growth of 15.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Illinois
The earning potential for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss in Illinois varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,680, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $108,120.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,180 | $28.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,620 | $37.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $100,300 | $48.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $108,120 | $52 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,407
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
This is a financial "Hidden Gem". Although the nominal salary is $80,240, the lower cost of living in Illinois (8.2% below national average) boosts your purchasing power to an equivalent of $87,407. This allows for significant savings.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
0.026
Per 1K Jobs
0.23
Location Quotient
At 0.23x, Illinois has a notably lower concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
160 people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois.
Only 0.026 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois is $80,240. This typically ranges from $48,680 for entry-level positions to $108,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 10.0% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Illinois a good place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Yes, Illinois is financially attractive for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss. The average salary of $80,240 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.026 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois