Biologists in Illinois
Want to work as a Biologists in Illinois? Below are the key facts. All biological scientists not listed separately.
What do Biologists Make in Illinois?
For a biologists working in Illinois, wages run about $78,600 per year (or about $37.79/hour).Pay can range from $51,070 at the 10th percentile to $123,970 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,070 | $24.55 |
| 25th percentile | $59,950 | $28.82 |
| Median (50th) | $78,600 | $37.79 |
| 75th percentile | $100,300 | $48.22 |
| 90th percentile | $123,970 | $59.60 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Illinois nationwide is 0.46, indicating fewer biologists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, biologists earn a median of $54,070 per year ($26.00/hour), above the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 123,062 biologists nationwide. In Illinois alone, around 1,090 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 520 biologists.
Top Illinois Metros for Biologists
The metro areas below employ the most biologists in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 760 | $80,970 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 110 | $64,930 |
Top States for Biologists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most biologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 12,580 |
| Maryland | 5,220 |
| North Carolina | 3,020 |
| New York | 2,610 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,600 |
| Texas | 2,600 |
| Missouri | 2,560 |
| Massachusetts | 2,450 |
| Florida | 2,380 |
| Virginia | 1,950 |
| Washington | 1,870 |
| Georgia | 1,520 |
| Illinois | 1,090 |
| Minnesota | 960 |
| Michigan | 900 |
| District of Columbia | 900 |
| Colorado | 900 |
| Indiana | 850 |
| Wisconsin | 850 |
| Oregon | 720 |
Highest-Paying States for Biologists
Where biologists earn the most: biologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $120,880 |
| Maryland | $115,710 |
| California | $112,010 |
| New Jersey | $102,760 |
| Massachusetts | $101,140 |
| Rhode Island | $98,990 |
| Alaska | $98,220 |
| North Carolina | $97,020 |
| Colorado | $96,680 |
| Washington | $96,120 |
Skills
The most important biologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for biologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
- Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
- Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
- Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
Work Activities
- Processing Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Working with Computers
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Developing Objectives and Strategies
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Photoshop, C++, ESRI ArcGIS software In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- General Biology
- Neurobiology & Neurosciences
- Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences
- Ecology & Systematics Biology
- Other Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Biomathematics & Bioinformatics
- Microbiology Science & Immunology
- Genetics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Zoology
- Physiology & Pathology Sciences
- Nutrition Science
- Human Biology
- Marine Science
- Child Development & Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
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Related Careers
Related occupations to biologists include:
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Microbiologists
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Also Known As
Aquatic Biologist, Aquatic Scientist, Bioanalytical Scientist, Biological Operations Scientist (Biological Ops Scientist), Biological Scientist, Biologist, Biology Scientist, Botanist, Cell Biologist, Cell Culture Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Researcher, Computational Biologist, Computational Scientist, Dolphin Researcher.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-1029.04