ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Biologist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$66,955/yr
Typical range: $69,226 – $83,584
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in Chicago
Biologist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $66,955 | $5,580 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $84,466 | $7,039 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,827 | $8,069 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $110,217 | $9,185 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $139,059 | $11,588 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $161,309 | $13,442 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $166,871 | $13,906 | +149% |
Current Salary
$66,955
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $32/hr
Next Level Target
$84,466
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Biologist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Biologists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $67K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Biologist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $67K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $32/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Biologist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in Chicago, IL earns $127K–$153K/yr.