As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control & Instrument Engineer I in Illinois is $94,321 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Control & Instrument Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Control & Instrument Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $100,279 | $8,357 | $1,928 | $48 |
| Average | $94,321 | $7,860 | $1,814 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,362 | $7,280 | $1,680 | $42 |
MRINetwork - Chicago, IL
Sterling Engineering - Elgin, IL
TERA-PRINT LLC - Skokie, IL
Pinnacle Talent Recruiter, LLC - Chillicothe, IL
A Control & Instrument Engineer I'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 Control & Instrument Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Control & Instrument Engineer I | 0-2 years | $94,321 |
| Control & Instrument Engineer II | 2-4 years | $109,544 |
| Control & Instrument Engineer III | 4-7 years | $124,523 |
| Control & Instrument Engineer IV | 7+ years | $152,332 |
| Control & Instrument Engineer V | 7-10 years | $167,600 |
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 Control & Instrument Engineer Is. 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:
Control & Instrument Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,748. While startup companies pay approximate $89,522.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $89,522 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $94,652 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $102,145 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $105,748 |
For Control & Instrument Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Control & Instrument Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Control & Instrument Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $127,333 | $61.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $122,617 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $122,617 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $117,901 | $57.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $113,185 | $54.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Control & Instrument Engineer I'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 | $100,279 | $8,357 | $1,928 | $48 |
| Average | $94,321 | $7,860 | $1,814 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,362 | $7,280 | $1,680 | $42 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Control & Instrument Engineer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Control & Instrument Engineer II | $109,544 | 16% |
| Control & Instrument Technologist | $115,663 | 23% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Control & Instrument Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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