Expert Medical Scientist salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 16 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level IV in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes North Chicago, Evanston, Orland Park, Maywood, Mettawa.
Also listed as: Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $135,419 |
| 25th | $143,087 |
| 50th (median) | $152,890 |
| 75th | $169,875 |
| 90th | $236,675 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median expert Medical Scientist salary of $152,890 is worth about $147,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $83,240 in May 2025 (3,810 employed). The H-1B median here is $152,890, 84% higher.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AbbVie | $150,000 | 12 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $66,492 | 199 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $80,392 | 41 |
| Senior · Level III | $139,600 | 14 |
| Expert · Level IV | $152,890 | 16 |
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 | $63,960 | $66,492 | 199 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $69,888 | $80,392 | 41 |
| Senior · Level III | $83,429 | $139,600 | 14 |
| Expert · Level IV | $117,333 | $152,890 | 16 |
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.