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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Application Engineer in Illinois is $153,964 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, a Lead Application Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Application Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $165,030 | $13,752 | $3,174 | $79 |
| Average | $153,964 | $12,830 | $2,961 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,243 | $12,020 | $2,774 | $69 |
Aqua Aerobic - Loves Park, IL
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Crypto.com - Chicago, IL
Law Firm - Chicago, IL
A Lead Application 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 Application 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 Lead Application Engineer | $168,391 |
| Applicati... Level Lead Application Engineer | $135,312 |
| Lead Appl... Level Lead Application Engineer | $153,150 |
| Applicati... Level Lead Application Engineer | $178,392 |
| Applicati... Level Lead Application Engineer | $198,756 |
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 Application 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 Application Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Lead Application Engineer positions in Internet or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Application Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $181,678 | $87.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $177,059 | $85.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $177,059 | $85.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $172,440 | $83.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $169,361 | $81.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Application 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 | $165,030 | $13,752 | $3,174 | $79 |
| Average | $153,964 | $12,830 | $2,961 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,243 | $12,020 | $2,774 | $69 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Application Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Flow Control Group
Gilberts, IL
Flow Control Group | Gilberts, IL
Sales Applications Engineer. The team member will be responsible for managing and growing a pre-established territory in the Northern Illinois area. This w... more
2 Days Ago
Automationtechies
Chicago, IL
Automationtechies | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. A rapidly growing robotics manufacturer expanding its U.S. operations and seeking a. Robotics Application Engineer. to su... more
3 Days Ago
Holland Applied Technologies
Willowbrook, IL
Holland Applied Technologies | Willowbrook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Holland Applied Technologies, located in Burr Ridge IL, is a leader in the sanitary process/equipment industry. We fabric... more
3 Days Ago
Kistler Instrument Corp.
Chicago, IL
Kistler Instrument Corp. | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Join Kistler – A Global Leader in Measurement Technology. At. Kistler. we’re revolutionizing industries with our cutting-... more
3 Days Ago
OTTO Engineering
Carpentersville, IL
OTTO Engineering | Carpentersville, IL
Sales Application Engineer - Controls. Why should you join OTTO Engineering. At OTTO, we don't just manufacture products - we engineer mission-critical sol... more
3 Days Ago
Amada America, Inc.
Schaumburg, IL
Amada America, Inc. | Schaumburg, IL
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION SUMMARY. We are seeking a skilled Applications Engineer specializing in fiber laser welding to support our growi... more
4 Days Ago
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