Wages vary by level of education. Scientists who have a master's degree earn more than those who have a bachelor's degree. Those who have a PhD earn more than those who have a master's degree. In general, salaries are highest for those working in private industry and lowest for those working for colleges or universities.
Environmental scientists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health (SOC 19-2041)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $26.11 | $33.46 | $42.46 |
| Yearly | $54,297 | $69,602 | $88,320 | |
| Champaign Area | Hourly | $26.95 | $31.33 | $38.21 |
| Yearly | $56,042 | $65,171 | $79,489 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $28.44 | $36.35 | $57.26 |
| Yearly | $59,161 | $75,599 | $119,099 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $25.46 | $33.46 | $37.03 |
| Yearly | $52,952 | $69,602 | $77,024 | |
| Edwardsville Area | Hourly | $25.96 | $31.04 | $42.46 |
| Yearly | $53,999 | $64,561 | $88,320 | |
| Lake County | Hourly | $28.37 | $33.46 | $38.29 |
| Yearly | $59,016 | $69,601 | $79,635 | |
| Mt. Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area | Hourly | $26.11 | $27.52 | $42.46 |
| Yearly | $54,297 | $57,232 | $88,320 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $32.92 | $45.45 | $52.18 |
| Yearly | $68,470 | $94,541 | $108,535 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $25.37 | $31.04 | $42.46 |
| Yearly | $52,777 | $64,561 | $88,320 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $31.24 | $37.04 | $48.69 |
| Yearly | $64,971 | $77,046 | $101,274 | |
| St. Louis-Belleville Area | Hourly | $25.97 | $26.83 | $42.46 |
| Yearly | $54,015 | $55,812 | $88,320 | |
| Will County | Hourly | $28.37 | $33.68 | $38.29 |
| Yearly | $59,007 | $70,051 | $79,631 | |
| United States | Hourly | $28.39 | $36.77 | $48.40 |
| Yearly | $59,060 | $76,480 | $100,670 | |