Sociologists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a sociologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $134,730/year ($64.78/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $220K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $130,061 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 21.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $135K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About sociologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level sociologists (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $135K.Top earners bring in $220K or more - a $142K spread from bottom to top.
Sociologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $212K | +108% | N/A |
| Illinois | $135K | +32% | N/A |
| New York | $130K | +28% | 50 |
| California | $121K | +19% | 660 |
| North Carolina | $108K | +6% | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $104K | +2% | 600 |
| Maryland | $95K | -6% | 90 |
| Washington | $88K | -13% | 90 |
| Michigan | $83K | -18% | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $83K | -19% | 100 |
| Minnesota | $79K | -22% | 30 |
| Ohio | $78K | -24% | 110 |
| Florida | $40K | -61% | 180 |
Track sociologists 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 sociologists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $134,730 a year - that works out to about $64.78 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,130, and experienced sociologists can clear $219,640. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $135K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,014/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 22.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a sociologists 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 sociologists salary is worth about $130,061 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do sociologists 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.