As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer I in Athens, IL is $78,478 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Electrical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Electrical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $78,478 |
| Electrical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,126 |
| Electrical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $115,703 |
| Electrical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $137,767 |
| Electrical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $159,836 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.91% |
| Design Engineering | 3.02% |
| Programming | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$94,958 |
21%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$82,401 |
5%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$81,617 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$80,832 |
3%
|
|
System Design
|
$80,832 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$80,047 |
2%
|
Understanding how an Electrical 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Signal & Image Processing Engineer II | $95,336 | 21% |
| Electrical Engineer II | $95,126 | 21% |
| Electronics Engineer II | $95,337 | 21% |
| Radio Frequency Engineer II | $95,337 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Electrical Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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