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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Process Engineer in Illinois is $186,949 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.
However, a Lead Process Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Process Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $196,859 | $16,405 | $3,786 | $95 |
| Average | $186,949 | $15,579 | $3,595 | $90 |
| 25th Percentile | $172,580 | $14,382 | $3,319 | $83 |
Brindley Engineering - Lisle, IL
Jabil - Gurnee, IL, IL
Scientific Search - Chicago, IL
TH Foods, Inc. - Loves Park, IL
A Lead Process 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 Process 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 |
|---|---|
| Process E... Level Lead Process Engineer | $111,834 |
| Process E... Level Lead Process Engineer | $136,699 |
| Process E... Level Lead Process Engineer | $119,258 |
| Process E... Level Lead Process Engineer | $144,833 |
| Lead Proc... Level Lead Process Engineer | $186,220 |
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 Process 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 Process Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Process Engineer positions in Aerospace & Defense or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Process Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $224,339 | $108.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $205,644 | $99.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Process 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 | $196,859 | $16,405 | $3,786 | $95 |
| Average | $186,949 | $15,579 | $3,595 | $90 |
| 25th Percentile | $172,580 | $14,382 | $3,319 | $83 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Process Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sibel Health
Chicago, IL
Sibel Health | Chicago, IL
A BIT ABOUT SIBEL HEALTH. With headquarters based in Chicago, Illinois, and an international office in Seoul, South Korea, Sibel Health is an award-winning... more
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GerTEK Project Management and Technical Services
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GerTEK Project Management and Technical Services | Chicago, IL
API Process Project Engineer. Chicago - Onsite. Company Overview. Gertek is a leading technical services provider dedicated to delivering high-quality engi... more
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Burgess Norton Mfg Co
Geneva, IL
Burgess Norton Mfg Co | Geneva, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Amsted Automotive, Burgess-Norton division is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to support manufacturing and... more
4 Days Ago
Tetra Pak
Vernon Hills, IL
Tetra Pak | Vernon Hills, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. We are seeking motivated individuals to join our Vernon Hills Process Engineering team. As a Senior Process ... more
5 Days Ago
Vesuvius
Charleston, IL
Vesuvius | Charleston, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Purpose. The Senior Process Engineer/Technical Manager is responsible for ensuring capable and controlled manufacturing p... more
5 Days Ago
Advanced Search Group
Peoria, IL
Advanced Search Group | Peoria, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Must be a US citizen or have a green card. Our Client a global chemical manufacturer seeks a Process Control Engineer wit... more
6 Days Ago
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