Conservation Scientists Salary in Illinois
Conservation Scientists in Illinois make a median of $72,550 a year, or about $34.88 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $113K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Illinois. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $73K get you in Illinois?
About conservation scientists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level conservation scientists (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $73K. Top earners bring in $113K or more, a $73K spread from bottom to top.
Conservation Scientists salary by metro in Illinois
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign-Urbana | $75K | +3% | 40 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $67K | -8% | 360 |
Compare to other states
Track conservation scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do conservation scientists make in Illinois?
The median is $72,550 a year, that works out to about $35 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,540, and experienced conservation scientists can clear $113,030. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $73K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,653/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month, which eats 30.2% 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 conservation scientists salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median conservation scientists salary is worth about $77,304 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do conservation 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.