What a safety / EHS manager earns in Illinois — an estimated median of about $97,000 per year — plus who regulates workplace safety in the state and how to push your pay higher.
In Illinois, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $97,000 per year, with most roles falling between $75,660 and $130,950. These figures are estimates anchored on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES, May 2024 release) national median for occupational health & safety specialists — $83,910 (SOC 19-5011) — scaled to Illinois’s wage level. Actual pay depends on industry, employer size, certifications and years of experience. Manufacturing, refining, and logistics around Chicago; Illinois OSHA covers only public employees while the private sector is under federal OSHA.
Illinois operates a State Plan (Illinois OSHA (public sector)) that covers only state and local government workers. Private-sector employers in Illinois are regulated directly by federal OSHA.
The largest concentrations of EHS and safety-manager roles in Illinois are around Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, driven by the state’s main industries.
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See also: national salary guide · certification roadmap · all states
How much does a safety manager make in Illinois?
In Illinois, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $97,000 per year, with a typical range of $75,660 to $130,950 depending on industry, experience, employer size and certifications. Figures are estimates anchored on BLS OES data.
Does Illinois have its own OSHA?
Illinois operates a State Plan (Illinois OSHA (public sector)) that covers only state and local government workers. Private-sector employers in Illinois are regulated directly by federal OSHA.
How can I increase my safety salary in Illinois?
Earn a recognised certification (the BCSP CSP can add roughly $20,000+ over the uncertified baseline), move into higher-paying industries such as oil & gas, chemicals or construction, take on multi-site or director scope, and build experience. Use the free salary estimator to model your own number.
Salary figures are estimates derived from BLS national OES data scaled to state wage levels — not a guarantee or an offer. Verify current local data with BLS and employers. ← All states · Home