Physicists pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for physicists is $65.93 an hour ($137,140 a year). About 1,510 people work in this job there.
That is 20% lower than the U.S. median ($172,250). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($137,140).
Pay range for physicists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $39.34 | $81,830 |
| 25% of workers | $39.48 | $82,110 |
| Half of workers (median) | $65.93 | $137,140 |
| 75% of workers | $84.38 | $175,510 |
| 90% of workers | $106.43 | $221,380 |
Physicists pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $137,140 | 1,510 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for physicists
- Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +7.2% over ten years, faster than average · about 1,300 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Chemists | $90,920 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.