EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$78,275/yr
Typical range: $76,119 – $91,350
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Manufacturing Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Manufacturing 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 | $78,275 | $6,523 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,048 | $7,921 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,230 | $8,853 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $120,319 | $10,027 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $154,313 | $12,859 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $181,150 | $15,096 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $187,859 | $15,655 | +140% |
Current Salary
$78,275
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$95,048
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Manufacturing Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $78K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Manufacturing Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Manufacturing Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Manufacturing Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $137K–$164K/yr.