ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Climate Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$57,861/yr
Typical range: $59,824 – $72,232
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Chicago
Climate Scientist 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 | $57,861 | $4,822 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,994 | $6,083 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,676 | $6,973 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,248 | $7,937 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $120,173 | $10,014 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $139,401 | $11,617 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $144,208 | $12,017 | +149% |
Current Salary
$57,861
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $28/hr
Next Level Target
$72,994
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Climate Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Climate Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $58K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Climate Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $58K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $28/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Climate Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $110K–$132K/yr.