EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Quality Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$72,006/yr
Typical range: $70,023 – $84,034
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $72,006 | $6,001 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,436 | $7,286 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$72,006
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$87,436
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Quality Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Quality Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $72K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Quality Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $72K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$151K/yr.