Sociologist Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Sociologists in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$140,770
per year
Hourly Rate
$67.68
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+33% vs US median
US median $106,030
State Rank
#1 of 11
state estimate

How much does a Sociologist make in Illinois?

A Sociologist working in Illinois earns a median salary of $140,770 per year, or about $67.68 per hour. That is 33% above the national median of $106,030 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $76,320 while the top 10% make $229,480 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $104,580 and $174,320 a year.

Sociologist salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$76,320$36.69
25th percentile (early career)$104,580$50.28
50th percentile (median)$140,770$67.68
75th percentile (experienced)$174,320$83.81
90th percentile (top earners)$229,480$110.33

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 1st out of 11 states and territories for Sociologist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$140,770
2Kentucky$136,870
3North Carolina$126,760
4California$125,770
5Alaska$108,170

Working as a Sociologist in Illinois

Nationally, about 2,000 people work as Sociologists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($140,770) 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 does a Sociologist make in Illinois?
The median Sociologist salary in Illinois is $140,770 per year, or about $67.68 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $76,320 at the entry level to $229,480 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Sociologists about 33% more than the national median of $106,030. Illinois ranks 1st out of 11 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Sociologists?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $140,770 a year. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
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 Sociologist 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.