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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Project Engineer in Illinois is $159,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.
However, a Lead Project Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Project Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $161,671 | $13,473 | $3,109 | $78 |
| Average | $159,539 | $13,295 | $3,068 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $152,748 | $12,729 | $2,937 | $73 |
Loberg Construction - Palatine, IL
Veolia - East Saint Louis, IL
Hughes Recruiting & Consulting - Addison, IL
Apogee Sustainability Limited - Chicago, IL
A Lead Project 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 Lead Project 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 |
|---|---|
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $118,742 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $135,824 |
| Lead Proj... Level Lead Project Engineer | $159,382 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $83,899 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $118,924 |
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 Lead Project 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 Lead Project Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, Lead Project Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Project Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $196,233 | $94.0 | 23% |
| Internet | $193,042 | $93.0 | 21% |
| Software & Networking | $193,042 | $93.0 | 21% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $188,256 | $91.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $181,874 | $87.0 | 14% |
Understanding how a Lead Project 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 | $161,671 | $13,473 | $3,109 | $78 |
| Average | $159,539 | $13,295 | $3,068 | $77 |
| 25th Percentile | $152,748 | $12,729 | $2,937 | $73 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Project Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
snipebridge
Chicago, IL
snipebridge | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. SNIPEBRIDGE is a strategic talent solutions company specializing in connecting exceptional talent to great c... more
8 Days Ago
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.
Elgin, IL
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. | Elgin, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) of Elgin, IL is looking to hire a full-time Project Engineer. Are you a civil en... more
8 Days Ago
Watchfire Signs LLC
Danville, IL
Watchfire Signs LLC | Danville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Role Summary. The Project Engineer provides technical and project-specific engineering support to ensure the successful e... more
8 Days Ago
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.
Mount Carmel, IL
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. | Mount Carmel, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Relocation Package. available***Hampton. Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) of Mt. Carmel, IL is looking to hire a full-time... more
8 Days Ago
Hoffer Plastics
South Elgin, IL
Hoffer Plastics | South Elgin, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Want to be part of something special. We're Filling Important Jobs. Join an industry leader and innovator looking for peo... more
8 Days Ago
Hennig
Machesney Park, IL
Hennig | Machesney Park, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Responsible project management of specific project within product group. Create and maintain engineering dra... more
8 Days Ago
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