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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Chemist II in Illinois is $81,372 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Lab Chemist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lab Chemist II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,016 | $7,418 | $1,712 | $43 |
| Average | $81,372 | $6,781 | $1,565 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,344 | $5,945 | $1,372 | $34 |
Varite - North Chicago, IL
AbbVie - North Chicago, IL
BJC HealthCare - Alton, IL
Prime Healthcare - Joliet, IL
A Lab Chemist II'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 a Lab Chemist II'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 |
|---|---|
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $65,162 |
| Lab Chemi... Level Lab Chemist II | $80,810 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $97,932 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $128,430 |
| Chemist V... Level Lab Chemist II | $149,976 |
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 Lab Chemist IIs. 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 Lab Chemist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Lab Chemist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Chemist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $130,195 | $63.0 | 60% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $113,920 | $55.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $105,783 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $101,715 | $49.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $97,646 | $47.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lab Chemist II'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 | $89,016 | $7,418 | $1,712 | $43 |
| Average | $81,372 | $6,781 | $1,565 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,344 | $5,945 | $1,372 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Chemist II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Certified Group
Aurora, IL
Certified Group | Aurora, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise –. So ... more
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Prime Healthcare
Olympia Fields, IL
Prime Healthcare | Olympia Fields, IL
Job Title. Laboratory Technician. Job Description. Each individual performs only those waived, moderate, or highly complex tests authorized by CLIA, respon... more
10 Days Ago
Prime Healthcare
Olympia Fields, IL
Prime Healthcare | Olympia Fields, IL
Job Title. Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Responsibilities. Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) can perform waived, highly and moderately complex tes... more
10 Days Ago
Decatur Memorial Hospital
Springfield, IL
Decatur Memorial Hospital | Springfield, IL
Job Title. Collects, prepares and handles specimens for analysis from patients of all ages. Performs laboratory testings to aid in the diagnosis of disease... more
7 Days Ago
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Lake Forest, IL
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital | Lake Forest, IL
Clinical Lab Assistant II-Casual EveningsThis is a casual/as needed position located at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital.... more
8 Days Ago
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Geneva, IL
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital | Geneva, IL
Clinical Lab Assistant II-Full-time Days. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position located at Northwestern Medicine's Cancer Center at Delnor Hospi... more
8 Days Ago
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