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Materials Scientists Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Materials Scientists make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$125,850
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.6% vs 2024
$129,980
Mean Salary
$125,850
Median Salary
$60.50
Hourly Rate
380 people work as Materials Scientists in Illinois

Materials Scientists salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Materials Scientists salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Materials Scientists in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $84,070$84,07025th25% earn less than $104,350$104,350MedianHalf earn more than $125,850$125,85075th75% earn less than $145,620$145,62090thTop 10% earn more than $184,130$184,130

Materials Scientists in Illinois earn a median salary of $125,850 per year ($10,487/month). This is 9.2% above the national average of $115,262. Illinois ranks #12 out of 30 states for Materials Scientists pay. Approximately 380 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 4.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Science
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.76
Chemistry
4.55
Mathematics
4.52
Physics
4.38
Computers and Electronics
3.95
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (38.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Materials Scientists in Illinois

Salaries for Materials Scientists in Illinois range from $84,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $184,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $104,350 and $145,620.

Median $125,850
P10: $84,070 P25: $104,350 P75: $145,620 P90: $184,130
10th
$84,070
25th
$104,350
Median
$125,850
75th
$145,620
90th
$184,130
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $84,070 $40.42 $7,005
25th Percentile $104,350 $50.17 $8,695
Median (50th) $125,850 $60.50 $10,487
75th Percentile $145,620 $70.01 $12,135
90th Percentile (Experienced) $184,130 $88.52 $15,344

Note: The mean (average) salary of $129,980 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#12
Illinois ranks #12 of 30 states
$115,262
National avg. for Materials Scientists
+9.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Materials Scientists salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Materials Scientists take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Materials Scientists Data in Illinois

Materials Scientists Salary by State

Compare Materials Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Materials Scientists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Materials Scientists in Illinois is $125,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $129,980.
What is the salary range for a Materials Scientists in Illinois?
Salaries for Materials Scientists in Illinois range from $84,070 at the 10th percentile to $184,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $104,350 and $145,620.
What is the starting salary for a Materials Scientists in Illinois?
Entry-level Materials Scientists positions in Illinois typically start around $84,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $104,350 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Materials Scientists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 380 people are employed as Materials Scientists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Materials Scientists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Materials Scientists in Illinois is approximately $60.50 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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