Conservation Scientists Salary in Illinois

Conservation scientists in Illinois earn the most in Springfield (average $105,360 a year) and the least in Chicago ($65,170), across the 3 Illinois metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the conservation scientists average at $75,750 and the median at $69,590 for 730 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $77,130.

Conservation Scientists average salary by city in Illinois

Springfield$105,360
Champaign$82,690
Chicago$65,170

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Springfield	$105,360	$107,990	$78,380	$77,877	93
Champaign	$82,690	$64,470	$51,630	$63,050	93
Chicago	$65,170	$62,710	$47,680	$51,459	104

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Conservation Scientists salary in other states

Conservation Scientists salary by city and state

More about pay in Illinois

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-1031.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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