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Environmental Scientist Salary in Palatine, IL

How much does a environmental scientist make in Palatine? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Palatine's cost of living.

Median Salary
$85,322
per year in Palatine
Entry Level
$52,507
Starting salary
Senior Level
$120,327
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental scientist salaries break down across different pay periods in Palatine.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,507$85,322$120,327
Monthly$4,376$7,110$10,027
Biweekly$2,020$3,282$4,628
Weekly$1,010$1,641$2,314
Hourly$25$41$58

Palatine vs National Average

How Palatine's environmental scientist salaries compare to national figures.

Palatine Salary
$85,322
COL Index: 105
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,932
Higher in Palatine

Cost of Living in Palatine

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
69,144
residents
Rent % of Income
19.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Palatine have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Scientist

Overview

Monitor and protect the environment and assess environmental impacts.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Key Skills

Environmental AnalysisField WorkData CollectionRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Scientist Salary

See Environmental Scientist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$83,510
-2%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
+19%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
+13%
Houston, TX
$79,520
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Palatine, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Palatine, IL is $85,322 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Palatine's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Palatine can expect to earn around $52,507 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $120,327 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Palatine's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Palatine are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,390, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental scientist's salary in Palatine typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 16.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Scientists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Palatine, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.