EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Industrial Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$116,455/yr
Typical range: $100,143 – $150,054
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Industrial 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 | $85,809 | $7,151 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,196 | $8,683 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,455 | $9,705 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $131,900 | $10,992 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $169,166 | $14,097 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $198,586 | $16,549 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $205,941 | $17,162 | +140% |
Current Salary
$116,455
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$131,900
Senior · 6
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Industrial Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Industrial Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $116K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Industrial Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $116K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Industrial Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $150K–$180K/yr.