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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Systems Engineer in Illinois is $66,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Entry Level Systems Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Systems Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $76,875 | $6,406 | $1,478 | $37 |
| Average | $66,603 | $5,550 | $1,281 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,614 | $4,551 | $1,050 | $26 |
Advanced Intelligence Engineering LLC - Wheaton, IL
DMC Engineering - Chicago, IL
In-finite Search Solutions - Chicago, IL
SynergisticIT - Springfield, IL
An Entry Level Systems 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 Systems 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 Entry Level Systems Engineer | $63,772 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $64,605 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $68,250 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $71,504 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Systems Engineer | $72,318 |
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 Systems 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 Systems Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 15% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't., offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Entry Level Systems Engineer positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Entry Level Systems Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. | $73,264 | $35.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Systems 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 | $76,875 | $6,406 | $1,478 | $37 |
| Average | $66,603 | $5,550 | $1,281 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,614 | $4,551 | $1,050 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Systems 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
7 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
5 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
7 Days Ago
Albireo Energy
Chicago, IL
Albireo Energy | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Albireo Energy. Albireo Energy is a leader for open-protocol and custom developed Building Automation and Industrial Cont... more
6 Days Ago
ITC, Inc.
Peoria, IL
ITC, Inc. | Peoria, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Our large manufacturing client located in Peoria, Illinois, is looking for an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer to add t... more
7 Days Ago
Culligan International
Libertyville, IL
Culligan International | Libertyville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position: Field Service Engineer. Location: Libertyville, IL - onsite and travel to customer sites across the US. Descrip... more
7 Days Ago
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