Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, environmental scientists and specialists, including healths earn $96,410 at the median — $46.35 an hour. The range runs from $55K at the entry level to $169K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $93,069 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 29.2% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $96K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About environmental scientists and specialists, including healths
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level environmental scientists and specialists, including healths (10th percentile) start around $55K. Mid-career wages sit at $96K.Top earners bring in $169K or more - a $115K spread from bottom to top.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $122K | +53% | 1,480 |
| California | $98K | +22% | 13,200 |
| Massachusetts | $96K | +20% | 2,890 |
| Oregon | $94K | +17% | 1,400 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +13% | 370 |
| Illinois | $89K | +11% | 1,330 |
| Washington | $89K | +11% | 4,280 |
| Minnesota | $87K | +9% | 1,980 |
| Alaska | $87K | +9% | 660 |
| Maryland | $82K | +3% | 1,800 |
| Georgia | $82K | +2% | 1,530 |
| Utah | $81K | +2% | 860 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +2% | 680 |
| North Dakota | $81K | +1% | 230 |
| Ohio | $81K | +1% | 2,570 |
Track environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including healths make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $96,410 a year - that works out to about $46.35 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $54,670, and experienced environmental scientists and specialists, including healths can clear $169,410. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $96K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,953/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 29.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a environmental scientists and specialists, including health 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 environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary is worth about $93,069 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do environmental scientists and specialists, including healths 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.