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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Development Engineer in Illinois is $118,181 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $128,309 | $10,692 | $2,467 | $62 |
| Average | $118,181 | $9,848 | $2,273 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,384 | $9,115 | $2,104 | $53 |
HEXPOL TPE Americas LLC - Broadview, IL
Woodstock Sterile Solutions - Woodstock, IL
Sterling Engineering - North Chicago, IL
Amplify HR - Northbrook, IL
A Development 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 Development 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Development Engineer | $114,532 |
| Intermediate Level Development Engineer | $114,796 |
| Senior Level Development Engineer | $115,852 |
| Specialist Level Development Engineer | $120,415 |
| Expert Level Development Engineer | $122,649 |
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 Development 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 Development Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Development Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $177,271 | $85.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Development 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 | $128,309 | $10,692 | $2,467 | $62 |
| Average | $118,181 | $9,848 | $2,273 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,384 | $9,115 | $2,104 | $53 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Development Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sterling Engineering Inc.
Crest Hill, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. | Crest Hill, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Title: Revit Family Development Engineer. Location: Crest Hill, IL. Shift: 1st Shift. Hire Type: Contract to Hire (Direct... more
5 Days Ago
Amphenol HSIO
Schaumburg, IL
Amphenol HSIO | Schaumburg, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is a world leader in interconnect solutions ... more
6 Days Ago
MRA Recruiting Services
McHenry, IL
MRA Recruiting Services | McHenry, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Senior Product Development Engineer – Electronics Hardware. MEDELA, LLC in McHenry, IL. Hybrid Role. 3 days on-site. Cand... more
6 Days Ago
Amphenol HSIO
Schaumburg, IL
Amphenol HSIO | Schaumburg, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is a world leader in interconnect solutions ... more
3 Days Ago
Diversified Services Network, Inc.
Chicago, IL
Diversified Services Network, Inc. | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET). Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Seni... more
6 Days Ago
Synchrony Financial
K-Town, IL
Synchrony Financial | K-Town, IL
Role Summary/Purpose: The Assistant Vice President, iOS Software Development Engineer III craves working in a hands-on mobile environment and leads by exam... more
3 Days Ago
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