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Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$79,490
Median Annual Salary
▲ +30.4% vs 2024
$89,520
Mean Salary
$79,490
Median Salary
$38.22
Hourly Rate
820 people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois

Soil and Plant Scientists salary by percentile in Illinois

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

Soil and Plant Scientists salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $48,160$48,16025th25% earn less than $62,690$62,690MedianHalf earn more than $79,490$79,49075th75% earn less than $107,280$107,28090thTop 10% earn more than $141,510$141,510

Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois earn a median salary of $79,490 per year ($6,624/month). This is 5.5% above the national average of $75,370. Illinois ranks #15 out of 46 states for Soil and Plant Scientists pay. Approximately 820 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 30.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Science
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Learning
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Biology
4.43
English Language
4.05
Computers and Electronics
3.86
Chemistry
3.84
Mathematics
3.76
Typical Education: Master's Degree (28.6% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois

Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois range from $48,160 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $141,510 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $62,690 and $107,280.

Median $79,490
P10: $48,160 P25: $62,690 P75: $107,280 P90: $141,510
10th
$48,160
25th
$62,690
Median
$79,490
75th
$107,280
90th
$141,510
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $48,160 $23.15 $4,013
25th Percentile $62,690 $30.14 $5,224
Median (50th) $79,490 $38.22 $6,624
75th Percentile $107,280 $51.58 $8,940
90th Percentile (Experienced) $141,510 $68.03 $11,792

Note: The mean (average) salary of $89,520 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#15
Illinois ranks #15 of 46 states
$75,370
National avg. for Soil and Plant Scientists
+5.5%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Soil and Plant Scientists Data in Illinois

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary by State

Compare Soil and Plant Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois is $79,490 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $89,520.
What is the salary range for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois?
Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois range from $48,160 at the 10th percentile to $141,510 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $62,690 and $107,280.
What is the starting salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois?
Entry-level Soil and Plant Scientists positions in Illinois typically start around $48,160 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $62,690 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 820 people are employed as Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Illinois is approximately $38.22 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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