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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Process Engineer in Illinois is $88,028 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a SMT Process Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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SMT Process Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,618 | $7,968 | $1,839 | $46 |
| Average | $88,028 | $7,336 | $1,693 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,219 | $6,768 | $1,562 | $39 |
Magnetic Inspection Laboratory, Inc - Elk Grove Village, IL
Woodstock Sterile Solutions - Woodstock, IL
Jobot - Vandalia, IL
TH Foods, Inc. - Loves Park, IL
A SMT 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 SMT 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 |
|---|---|
| SMT Proce... Level SMT Process Engineer | $87,470 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $100,246 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $111,272 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $136,013 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $118,659 |
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 SMT 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 SMT Process Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, SMT Process Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SMT Process Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $105,633 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $101,232 | $49.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $96,831 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $96,831 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Telecom | $96,831 | $47.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a SMT 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 | $95,618 | $7,968 | $1,839 | $46 |
| Average | $88,028 | $7,336 | $1,693 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,219 | $6,768 | $1,562 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current SMT Process Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sterling Engineering
Waukegan, IL
Sterling Engineering | Waukegan, IL
Position. Manufacturing Process Analyst. Location. Waukegan, IL (Onsite – Monday through Friday). Duration. 36-Month Contract. Schedule. 1st Shift. Join th... more
6 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
Stevens Industries
loogootee, IL
Stevens Industries | loogootee, IL
Job Type. Full-time. Description. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemical Process Engineer to join our team as the Quality Control Manager for our ... more
6 Days Ago
Stevens Industries
watson, IL
Stevens Industries | watson, IL
Job Type. Full-time. Description. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemical Process Engineer to join our team as the Quality Control Manager for our ... more
6 Days Ago
VTI Life Sciences
Chicago, IL
VTI Life Sciences | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. VTI Life Sciences (VTI). is seeking forward-thinking and ambitious engineers looking to accelerate their careers in the p... more
7 Days Ago
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
8 Days Ago
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