EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$84,958/yr
Typical range: $82,618 – $99,149
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $84,958 | $7,080 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,163 | $8,597 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,300 | $9,608 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,592 | $10,883 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $167,488 | $13,957 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,616 | $16,385 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $203,898 | $16,992 | +140% |
Current Salary
$84,958
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$103,163
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Electrical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Electrical Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $85K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Electrical Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $85K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $149K–$178K/yr.