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Science · Illinois

How to Become a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Illinois

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths in Illinois earn a median salary of $89,010/year, which is 11% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a environmental scientists and specialists, including health takes home approximately $4,138/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$89K
Median salary in Illinois
+11%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
1,330
Employed in Illinois

What a environmental scientists and specialists, including health can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$89,010
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$5,550/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home25.4% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$89,010/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,138/mo

Becoming a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 1,330 environmental scientists and specialists, including healths. The highest concentrations are in Springfield and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Springfield$97K$46.46/hr230
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$96K$46.35/hr870
Champaign-Urbana$62K$29.72/hr80

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$53K
25th percentile
$62K
Median (50th)
$89K
75th percentile
$126K
90th percentile (senior)
$165K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a environmental scientists and specialists, including health make in Illinois?

The median environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary in Illinois is $89,010 per year ($42.79/hr). This is 11% above the national median of $80,060. Salaries range from $52,790 to $164,990.

What are the requirements to become a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in Illinois?

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $89,010, a environmental scientists and specialists, including health in Illinois would take home approximately $5,550/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 25.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths in Illinois are Springfield ($96,640), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($96,410), Champaign-Urbana ($61,820). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for environmental scientists and specialists, including healths?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $89,010 salary, this means roughly $4,406/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.