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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Engineer III in Illinois is $111,612 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Quality Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Quality Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,737 | $9,895 | $2,283 | $57 |
| Average | $111,612 | $9,301 | $2,146 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,297 | $8,691 | $2,006 | $50 |
wm - Schiller Park, IL
Waste Management - Schiller Park, IL
Mitsubishi Chemical - Libertyville, IL
Allied Tube and Conduit Corporation - Harvey, IL
A Quality Engineer III'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 Quality Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|
| Engineer ... Level Quality Engineer III | $79,915 |
| Engineer ... Level Quality Engineer III | $92,416 |
| Quality E... Level Quality Engineer III | $111,089 |
| Engineer ... Level Quality Engineer III | $140,603 |
| Engineer ... Level Quality Engineer III | $162,344 |
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 Quality Engineer IIIs. 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 Quality Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Quality Engineer positions in Financial Services or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $156,257 | $75.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $145,096 | $70.0 | 30% |
| Media | $136,167 | $65.0 | 22% |
| Healthcare | $133,935 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $129,470 | $62.0 | 16% |
Understanding how a Quality Engineer III'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 | $118,737 | $9,895 | $2,283 | $57 |
| Average | $111,612 | $9,301 | $2,146 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,297 | $8,691 | $2,006 | $50 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
LHH
Mundelein, IL
LHH | Mundelein, IL
Quality Engineer | Medical Device Manufacturing. I'm partnering with an established manufacturer in the healthcare industry seeking an experienced. Quality... more
5 Days Ago
Custom Cylinders, Inc
Cary, IL
Custom Cylinders, Inc | Cary, IL
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. As a Quality Engineer, you’ll help ensure that our pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders meet demanding perfo... more
5 Days Ago
Summit Staffing, Inc
Addison, IL
Summit Staffing, Inc | Addison, IL
Quality Engineer - Manufacturing. Addison, IL. We are currently recruiting for an experienced Quality Engineer for an established advanced manufacturing op... more
6 Days Ago
Sigan America LLC
Ottawa, IL
Sigan America LLC | Ottawa, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. Sigan America is a Personal Care company seeking an experienced and detail-oriented. Quality Engineer ... more
7 Days Ago
Rogers Freels & Associates Inc
Pontiac, IL
Rogers Freels & Associates Inc | Pontiac, IL
Job Description. Job Description. RFA Engineering. (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engi... more
3 Days Ago
Sonaca
Saint Charles, IL
Sonaca | Saint Charles, IL
WHO ARE WESonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence.As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solution... more
4 Days Ago
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