How to Become a Data Scientists in Illinois
Data Scientists in Illinois earn a median salary of $113,490/year, which is 1% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a data scientists takes home approximately $5,472/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a data scientists can afford in Illinois
Becoming a data scientists in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Data Scientists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many data scientists positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for data scientistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 7,390 data scientists. The highest concentrations are in Bloomington and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Data Scientists salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $133K | $64.11/hr | 390 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $113K | $54.15/hr | 5,840 |
| Peoria | $97K | $46.63/hr | 130 |
| Springfield | $96K | $46.26/hr | 60 |
| Rockford | $86K | $41.15/hr | 70 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $83K | $39.89/hr | 130 |
Data Scientists salary range in Illinois
Data Scientists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a data scientists make in Illinois?▼
The median data scientists salary in Illinois is $113,490 per year ($54.56/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $112,590. Salaries range from $65,420 to $172,220.
What are the requirements to become a data scientists in Illinois?▼
Data Scientists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a data scientists afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $113,490, a data scientists in Illinois would take home approximately $6,884/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 20.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for data scientists in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for data scientists in Illinois are Bloomington ($133,340), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($112,640), Peoria ($96,990). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for data scientists?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $113,490 salary, this means roughly $5,618/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.