EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$97,723/yr
Typical range: $84,034 – $125,918
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Quality 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 | $72,006 | $6,001 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,436 | $7,286 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,723 | $8,144 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $110,684 | $9,224 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $141,955 | $11,830 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $166,643 | $13,887 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $172,815 | $14,401 | +140% |
Current Salary
$97,723
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$110,684
Senior · 6
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $98K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $98K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$151K/yr.