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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Engineer in Illinois is $77,094 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Applications Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Applications Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,532 | $7,044 | $1,626 | $41 |
| Average | $77,094 | $6,425 | $1,483 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,644 | $5,887 | $1,359 | $34 |
Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc. - Bartlett, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. - Crystal Lake, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. - Buffalo Grove, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. - Rolling Meadows, IL
An Applications 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 an Applications 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Applicati... Level Applications Engineer | $76,548 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer | $98,714 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer | $108,360 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer | $137,507 |
| Technical... Level Applications Engineer | $155,537 |
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 Applications 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:
For Applications Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Applications Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $96,368 | $46.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,346 | $42.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,804 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $84,804 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $84,804 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Applications 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 | $84,532 | $7,044 | $1,626 | $41 |
| Average | $77,094 | $6,425 | $1,483 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,644 | $5,887 | $1,359 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Applications Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HSG Tech Inc.
Addison, IL
HSG Tech Inc. | Addison, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). 401(k) matching. Bonus based on performance. Competitive salary. Dental insurance. Health insurance. Pa... more
10 Days Ago
Labor Solutions, LLC
Downers Grove, IL
Labor Solutions, LLC | Downers Grove, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a. Manufacturing/Application. Engineer to support manufacturing operations and serve as ... more
11 Days Ago
MC Machinery Systems, Inc.
Elk Grove Village, IL
MC Machinery Systems, Inc. | Elk Grove Village, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Title: SEDM Applications Engineer Intern. DESCRIPTION. The Applications Engineer Intern will work alongside the ... more
10 Days Ago
Jobot
Schaumburg, IL
Jobot | Schaumburg, IL
Healthcare Industry - Mission Driven - Benefits. This Jobot Consulting Job is hosted by: Daniel Gonzalez. Are you a fit. Easy Apply now by clicking the "Ap... more
13 Days Ago
Swift Placement & Consulting
Schaumburg, IL
Swift Placement & Consulting | Schaumburg, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Calling all Application Engineer Pros seeking a home where you can grow. DN Solutions, formerly Doosan Machine Tools, is ... more
8 Days Ago
Morris Midwest
Hoffman Estates, IL
Morris Midwest | Hoffman Estates, IL
Join a USA Today Top Workplace. Morris Group, Inc., one of the largest machine tool distribution networks in North America, is a third generation, family o... more
7 Days Ago
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