EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Electrical Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$123,573/yr
Typical range: $106,264 – $159,226
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrical Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Electrical Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $91,054 | $7,588 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $110,565 | $9,214 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,573 | $10,298 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $139,963 | $11,664 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $179,506 | $14,959 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $210,725 | $17,560 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $218,529 | $18,211 | +140% |
Current Salary
$123,573
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$139,963
Senior · 6
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Electrical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Electrical Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $124K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Electrical Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $124K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $159K–$191K/yr.