Illinois ranks 12th of 51 states and D.C. for chemists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($153,320) by $56,150 — a 58% gap.
Illinois employs roughly 3.9% of all chemists in the country (3,250 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $59,820 | $28.76 |
| 25th percentile | $70,060 | $33.68 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $97,170 | $46.72 |
| 75th percentile | $128,050 | $61.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $154,280 | $74.17 |
| Mean (average) | $99,960 | $48.06 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $97,170 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 | +58% |
| New Mexico | $134,370 | +38% |
| Maryland | $131,910 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $126,970 | +31% |
| Delaware | $125,430 | +29% |
| Louisiana | $109,150 | +12% |
| West Virginia | $108,010 | +11% |
| Texas | $101,260 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $96,980 | 11,690 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $97,470 | 3,470 |
| Civil Engineers | $97,640 | 13,400 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $96,640 | 10,830 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $96,570 | 2,280 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $97,810 | 3,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemists salary in Illinois?
The mean chemists salary in Illinois is $99,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $97,170 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chemists in Illinois?
Entry-level chemistss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $59,820 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $70,060 per year.
What is the highest Chemists salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $154,280 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $128,050 per year.
How does the Illinois Chemists salary compare to the national average?
The median chemists salary in Illinois is $97,170, which is +15% above national average of $84,150.