Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Illinois (2026)
Illinois · 5.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $87,353 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Aurora | $79,554 | +2.0% | Medium |
Illinois is home to a strong job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $77,994 per year, Illinois's Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $51,062–$65,132, while experienced Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss can command $96,789–$108,462.
Looking ahead, the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Illinois?The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Illinois is $77,994 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $74,280.
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What city in Illinois pays Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss the most?Major metro areas typically pay Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is Illinois a good state for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employment.
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How does Illinois Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary compare to the US average?At $77,994/year, Illinois Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $74,280/year.