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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Specialist Sales Engineer in Illinois is $144,040 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Specialist Sales Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Specialist Sales Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $158,280 | $13,190 | $3,044 | $76 |
| Average | $144,040 | $12,003 | $2,770 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,580 | $10,715 | $2,473 | $62 |
Sunbird Software Inc. - Chicago, IL
Cobalt Digital - Champaign, IL
Nexgen Networks - Chicago, IL
Bruker - Itasca, IL
A Specialist Sales Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Specialist Sales Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Sales Engineer | 2-4 years | $98,574 |
| Senior Sales Engineer | 4-7 years | $115,908 |
| Specialist Sales Engineer | 7+ years | $144,039 |
| Expert/Consultant Level Sales Engineer | 7-10 years | $171,198 |
| Technical Sales Scoping Supervisor | 10+ years | $125,781 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Specialist Sales Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Specialist Sales Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $161,244. While startup companies pay approximate $136,409.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $136,409 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $144,269 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $155,710 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $161,244 |
For Specialist Sales Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Specialist Sales Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Specialist Sales Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $187,252 | $90.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $180,050 | $87.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $172,848 | $83.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $165,646 | $80.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $161,325 | $78.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Specialist Sales Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $158,280 | $13,190 | $3,044 | $76 |
| Average | $144,040 | $12,003 | $2,770 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,580 | $10,715 | $2,473 | $62 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Specialist Sales Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Expert/Consultant Level Sales Engineer | $171,200 | 19% |
| Product Solution Consultant V | $157,300 | 9% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Specialist Sales Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
JSK Recruiting, Inc
Oak Brook, IL
JSK Recruiting, Inc | Oak Brook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Industrial Sales Engineer. Joliet / Channahon, IL Territory (Hybrid / Remote / Field-Based). Compensation: $120,000 to $1... more
3 Days Ago
Ebco Inc
Elgin, IL
Ebco Inc | Elgin, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. As a Sales Engineer, you will execute the sales strategy within an assigned region to drive revenue growth, ... more
4 Days Ago
Sterling Engineering Inc.
Northbrook, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. | Northbrook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Title. Sales Engineer. Location. Northbrook, IL. Hire Type. Direct Hire. Compensation. $90-100K + Bonus. Overview. We are... more
4 Days Ago
Precision Marshall Steel
Broadview, IL
Precision Marshall Steel | Broadview, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Are you an engineer who loves being in front of customers. We are looking for a. Sales Engineer. who can bridge the gap b... more
4 Days Ago
S&C Electric Company
Chicago, IL
S&C Electric Company | Chicago, IL
Sales Engineer. As an S&C Electric team member, you'll work on projects that have real-world impact. You'll help transform the grid for resilient and relia... more
4 Days Ago
Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc.
Bartlett, IL
Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc. | Bartlett, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are Herrmann. We are looking for people who share our vision and culture. Let us shape the future togethe... more
5 Days Ago
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