RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: District of Columbia vs Illinois

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in District of Columbia earn a median of $132,620. In Illinois, $81,590. After cost-of-living, the gap is 47.9% — not 62.5%.

Nominal pay gap
+62.5%
District of Columbia vs Illinois
COL-adjusted gap
+47.9%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

District of Columbia

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$132,620
p25
$98,410
p75
$161,470
p10
$78,270
p90
$185,220
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
109.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-67%
See full breakdown for District of Columbia

Illinois

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$81,590
p25
$60,790
p75
$121,040
p10
$46,540
p90
$153,150
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.0
Hiring velocity (180d)
-67%
See full breakdown for Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.