As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Knowledge Management Specialist I in Illinois is $65,898 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Knowledge Management Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Knowledge Management Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $76,955 | $6,413 | $1,480 | $37 |
| Average | $65,898 | $5,491 | $1,267 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,736 | $4,895 | $1,130 | $28 |
MSC - Chicago, IL
w3r Consulting - Chicago, IL
w3r Consulting - Downers Grove, IL
HireTalent - Chicago, IL
A Knowledge Management Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Knowledge Management Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Knowledge Management Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,706. While startup companies pay approximate $62,333.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $62,333 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,927 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $71,177 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $73,706 |
For Knowledge Management Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Knowledge Management Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Knowledge Management Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $79,077 | $38.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Knowledge Management Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $76,955 | $6,413 | $1,480 | $37 |
| Average | $65,898 | $5,491 | $1,267 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,736 | $4,895 | $1,130 | $28 |
For a Knowledge Management Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Knowledge Management Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $81,601 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Knowledge Management Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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