Animal Scientists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a animal scientists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $59,900/year ($28.8/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $105K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $57,824 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 45.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $60K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About animal scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level animal scientists (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K.Top earners bring in $105K or more - a $55K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $138K | +74% | 60 |
| Missouri | $119K | +51% | N/A |
| Georgia | $115K | +45% | 60 |
| Iowa | $96K | +21% | 130 |
| New York | $87K | +10% | N/A |
| Texas | $84K | +6% | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $80K | +1% | 230 |
| Washington | $79K | -1% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $77K | -3% | 90 |
| Maryland | $74K | -7% | 200 |
| Ohio | $62K | -22% | 40 |
| Illinois | $61K | -23% | 160 |
| Florida | $58K | -27% | 40 |
| South Dakota | $56K | -29% | 80 |
| Michigan | $51K | -35% | 120 |
Track animal scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal scientists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $59,900 a year - that works out to about $28.8 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,240, and experienced animal scientists can clear $105,410. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,934/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a animal scientists salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median animal scientists salary is worth about $57,824 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.