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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Design Engineer in Illinois is $120,493 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Entry Level Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $132,195 | $11,016 | $2,542 | $64 |
| Average | $120,493 | $10,041 | $2,317 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,999 | $9,083 | $2,096 | $52 |
La-Z-Boy - Glenview, IL
DMC Engineering - Chicago, IL
SynergisticIT - Springfield, IL
DMC Engineering - Chicago, IL
An Entry Level Design 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 Entry Level Design 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 |
|---|---|
| Sales Ana... Level Entry Level Design Engineer | $80,395 |
| Sales Ana... Level Entry Level Design Engineer | $96,961 |
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Design Engineer | $121,292 |
| Sales Ana... Level Entry Level Design Engineer | $100,535 |
| Sales Ana... Level Entry Level Design Engineer | $134,802 |
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 Entry Level Design 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 Entry Level Design 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 Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Design Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $180,740 | $87.0 | 50% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Design 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 | $132,195 | $11,016 | $2,542 | $64 |
| Average | $120,493 | $10,041 | $2,317 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,999 | $9,083 | $2,096 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Just In Time Staffing LLC
Elgin, IL
Just In Time Staffing LLC | Elgin, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position. Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer. Job. Type. Direct Hire. Pay. $65,000 - $82,000 depending on experience. Ho... more
6 Days Ago
DMC Engineering
Chicago, IL
DMC Engineering | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. (Hybrid). Description. DMC is a leading engineering consulting firm, delivering high-caliber engineering and custom softw... more
4 Days Ago
Interlake Mecalux
Melrose Park, IL
Interlake Mecalux | Melrose Park, IL
Entry Level Technical Sales Engineer. We are hiring a Junior Technical Sales Engineer to join our team in our corporate office in Melrose Park, IL for 6 to... more
2 Days Ago
DMC Engineering
Chicago, IL
DMC Engineering | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. (Hybrid). Description. Interested in a role where you can travel extensively and be at the center of real-world engineeri... more
6 Days Ago
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.
Peoria, IL
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC. | Peoria, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Hybrid position - remote and on site. About the Role. We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP t... more
2 Days Ago
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.
Champaign, IL
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC. | Champaign, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Hybrid position - remote and on site. About the Role. We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP t... more
2 Days Ago
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