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Physicists Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$137,140
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.5% vs 2024
$139,780
Mean Salary
$137,140
Median Salary
$65.93
Hourly Rate
1,590 people work as Physicists in Illinois

Physicists salary by percentile in Illinois

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

Physicists salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $81,830$81,83025th25% earn less than $82,110$82,110MedianHalf earn more than $137,140$137,14075th75% earn less than $175,510$175,51090thTop 10% earn more than $221,380$221,380

Physicists in Illinois earn a median salary of $137,140 per year ($11,428/month). This is 10.8% below the national average of $153,763. Illinois ranks #30 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 1,590 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 4.5% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Physicists in Illinois

Salaries for Physicists in Illinois range from $81,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $221,380 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $82,110 and $175,510.

Median $137,140
P10: $81,830 P25: $82,110 P75: $175,510 P90: $221,380
10th
$81,830
25th
$82,110
Median
$137,140
75th
$175,510
90th
$221,380
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $81,830 $39.34 $6,819
25th Percentile $82,110 $39.48 $6,842
Median (50th) $137,140 $65.93 $11,428
75th Percentile $175,510 $84.38 $14,625
90th Percentile (Experienced) $221,380 $106.43 $18,448

Note: The mean (average) salary of $139,780 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#30
Illinois ranks #30 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
-10.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Physicists Data in Illinois

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Physicists in Illinois is $137,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $139,780.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in Illinois?
Salaries for Physicists in Illinois range from $81,830 at the 10th percentile to $221,380 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $82,110 and $175,510.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in Illinois?
Entry-level Physicists positions in Illinois typically start around $81,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $82,110 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,590 people are employed as Physicists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in Illinois is approximately $65.93 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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