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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in Illinois is $89,698 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, an Environmental Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Environmental Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,620 | $8,052 | $1,858 | $46 |
| Average | $89,698 | $7,475 | $1,725 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,537 | $6,795 | $1,568 | $39 |
TRC Companies - Lombard, IL
GHD Group - Chicago, IL
Groundwater and Environmental Svcs. - Batavia, IL
GRAYMAR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LLC - CALICO RIDGE, NV
An Environmental Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $76,331 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $89,189 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $105,220 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $128,678 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Scientist | $157,110 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Environmental Scientists. 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:
For Environmental Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Scientist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $116,607 | $56.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $112,122 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $107,638 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Media | $105,844 | $51.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $103,153 | $50.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Environmental Scientist'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 | $96,620 | $8,052 | $1,858 | $46 |
| Average | $89,698 | $7,475 | $1,725 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,537 | $6,795 | $1,568 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Environmental Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Western Environmental Law Center
EUGENE, OR
Western Environmental Law Center | EUGENE, OR
The Wildlands & Wildlife Program Staff Attorney is an exempt, full-time position. The central focus of this position is strategic legal advocacy centered o... more
3 Days Ago
Green Bay Packaging
HANSEN ROAD, WI
Green Bay Packaging | HANSEN ROAD, WI
Green Bay Packaging - Corporate is seeking an Environmental Engineer to support our Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team in a manufacturing-focused, su... more
3 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
HIGHLAND CITY, FL
Clean Harbors | HIGHLAND CITY, FL
Clean Harbors is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist to support our Environmental Services team. In this role, you will identify, categorize, sample, an... more
3 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
EATON PARK, FL
Clean Harbors | EATON PARK, FL
Clean Harbors is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist to support our Environmental Services team. In this role, you will identify, categorize, sample, an... more
3 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
WINTER HAVEN, FL
Clean Harbors | WINTER HAVEN, FL
Clean Harbors is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist to support our Environmental Services team. In this role, you will identify, categorize, sample, an... more
3 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
BABSON PARK, FL
Clean Harbors | BABSON PARK, FL
Clean Harbors is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist to support our Environmental Services team. In this role, you will identify, categorize, sample, an... more
3 Days Ago
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