Economists Pay Range in Illinois
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$79,690
- 25th Percentile — Junior$115,537
- 50th Percentile — Median$130,956
- 75th Percentile — Senior$196,192
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$229,966
Half of Economists in Illinois earn more than $130,956. The top 10% make $229,966 or more, while entry-level workers start around $79,690.
Economists in Illinois: Key Facts
Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living
- Illinois ranks 7th of 51 states for Economists pay, at $149,236 per year (5.0% above the U.S. average of $142,130).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $79,690; the top 10% earn over $229,966.
- Hourly equivalent: $71.75 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $175,100.
- Among science jobs in Illinois, Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays the most ($147,860).
Economists Job Market in Illinois
Key factors affecting compensation
Illinois's key industries are Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Economists here earn $149,236 on average, placing the state 7th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.05 (U.S. = 1.00), a Illinois salary of $149,236 is roughly equivalent to $142,130 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Rhode Island ($163,450), New Jersey ($161,990), Vermont ($153,500) are the closest alternatives for Economists weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Science Jobs in Illinois
Related career salary benchmarks
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $147,860/yr Illinois 0.9% vs this role
- Sociologists $143,940/yr Illinois 3.5% vs this role
- Physicists $139,780/yr Illinois 6.3% vs this role
- Materials Scientists $129,980/yr Illinois 12.9% vs this role
- Geoscientists $109,290/yr Illinois 26.8% vs this role
- Food Scientists and Technologists $103,030/yr Illinois 31.0% vs this role
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $102,640/yr Illinois 31.2% vs this role
- Chemists $98,420/yr Illinois 34.1% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Economists salary in Illinois?
The average Economists salary in Illinois is $149,236 per year (median $130,956), which is 5.0% above the national average of $142,130.
How does Illinois rank for Economists pay?
Illinois ranks 7th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($175,100/yr).
How much do entry-level Economists make in Illinois?
The lowest-paid 10% of Economists in Illinois earn about $79,690 per year and the 25th percentile is $115,537.
How much do Economists make per hour in Illinois?
About $71.75 per hour, based on the $149,236 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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