Epidemiologists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, epidemiologists earn $100,200 at the median — $48.17 an hour. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $131K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $96,727 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 28.1% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About epidemiologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level epidemiologists (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $131K or more - a $69K spread from bottom to top.
Epidemiologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $110K | +31% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $105K | +25% | 470 |
| Rhode Island | $101K | +20% | 70 |
| California | $100K | +20% | 1,590 |
| Washington | $100K | +19% | 960 |
| Minnesota | $99K | +18% | 260 |
| Illinois | $99K | +18% | 190 |
| District of Columbia | $98K | +17% | 100 |
| Tennessee | $97K | +15% | 240 |
| Maryland | $94K | +12% | 440 |
| New York | $90K | +7% | 460 |
| Oregon | $89K | +6% | 120 |
| Connecticut | $85K | +1% | 160 |
| Virginia | $84K | +1% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $84K | -0% | 400 |
Track epidemiologists 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 epidemiologists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $100,200 a year - that works out to about $48.17 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,110, and experienced epidemiologists can clear $131,480. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,160/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a epidemiologists 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 epidemiologists salary is worth about $96,727 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do epidemiologists 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.