Entry-level Biological Technician salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 12 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Evanston, Maywood, Round Lake, Schaumburg.
Also listed as: Research Associate (Biology)
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $41,124 |
| 25th | $42,252 |
| 50th (median) | $45,163 |
| 75th | $48,261 |
| 90th | $49,827 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median entry-level Biological Technician salary of $45,163 is worth about $43,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Biological Technicians in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $57,700 in May 2025 (470 employed). The H-1B median here is $45,163, 22% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | too few | 7 |
| Cell Biologics | too few | 4 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $45,163 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $51,657 | 17 |
| Senior · Level III | too few | 3 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $29,931 | $45,163 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $38,147 | $51,657 | 17 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.