Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$96,950
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.61
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $101,920
State Rank
#15 of 50
410 employed here

How much do Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in Illinois?

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers working in Illinois earn a median salary of $96,950 per year, or about $46.61 per hour. That is 5% below the national median of $101,920 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $65,290 while the top 10% make $177,670 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $74,390 and $149,030 a year.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$65,290$31.39
25th percentile (early career)$74,390$35.76
50th percentile (median)$96,950$46.61
75th percentile (experienced)$149,030$71.65
90th percentile (top earners)$177,670$85.42

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 15th out of 50 states and territories for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Texas$145,220
2Rhode Island$121,010
3Oklahoma$119,990
4Colorado$114,410
5Mississippi$112,400

Working as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Illinois

Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the United States. A master's degree (usually 5 to 6 years of college) is typically required.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($96,950) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in Illinois?
The median Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in Illinois is $96,950 per year, or about $46.61 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,290 at the entry level to $177,670 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers about 5% less than the national median of $101,920. Illinois ranks 15th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $96,950 a year. About 410 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers are employed in Illinois. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.