Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Food Scientists and Technologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN make a median of $99,320 a year, or about $47.75 an hour. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $145K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $95,878 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 28.4% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About food scientists and technologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level food scientists and technologists (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $145K or more - a $83K spread from bottom to top.
Food Scientists and Technologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $103K | +20% | 880 |
| District of Columbia | $103K | +20% | N/A |
| Missouri | $102K | +19% | 610 |
| Alabama | $99K | +16% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $99K | +16% | N/A |
| Washington | $96K | +13% | 310 |
| New York | $96K | +12% | 880 |
| Minnesota | $94K | +11% | N/A |
| Florida | $93K | +9% | 150 |
| Texas | $93K | +9% | 780 |
| Arkansas | $93K | +8% | N/A |
| Michigan | $87K | +2% | 430 |
| Kansas | $86K | +1% | 310 |
| California | $85K | +0% | 2,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $82K | -3% | 430 |
Track food scientists and technologists 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 food scientists and technologists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $99,320 a year - that works out to about $47.75 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,170, and experienced food scientists and technologists can clear $144,690. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,112/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 29.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a food scientists and technologists 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 food scientists and technologists salary is worth about $95,878 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do food scientists and technologists 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.