As of September 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Field Ecologist in Chicago, IL is $51,910, equivalent to $25 per hour, $998 weekly, or $4,326 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Field Ecologist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Field Ecologist in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $40,908 to $60,850. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($46,151) and 75th percentile ($56,589), while top earners (90th percentile) make $60,850 per year. This $10,438 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Field Ecologist often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Field Ecologist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
