Retail & Sales Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Sales Engineer Salary in Illinois

The median sales engineer salary in Illinois is $103,104 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $108,530.

Median Salary
$103,104
vs National
$-5,426
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Sales Engineer Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for sales engineer compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for sales engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $103,104 per year, sales engineers in Illinois earn $5,426 less than the national median of $108,530.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning sales engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: sales engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $169,100 — a $110,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $117,212.

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for sales engineers across the country.

Sales Engineer Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level sales engineer earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,500
$-5,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,500
$-8,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $58,900
25th Percentile $77,900
Median (50th) $103,104
75th Percentile $134,900
90th Percentile $169,100

Sales Engineer Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for sales engineers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Sales Engineer in Illinois

Education

Most sales engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Technical KnowledgeSalesProduct DemosSolution SellingCRMClient Management

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Engineer Salary in Illinois

How much does a Sales Engineer make in Illinois? ▼
The median sales engineer salary in Illinois is $103,104 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $108,530. Salaries range from $58,900 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sales Engineer make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,104, a sales engineer in Illinois earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for sales engineers? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for sales engineer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level sales engineers earn $61,750, while senior professionals earn $161,500.
How does Illinois compare to other states for sales engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sales engineers is Hawaii at $184,501. Illinois's median of $103,104 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($105,274) and Pennsylvania ($104,189).
What is the entry-level sales engineer salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level sales engineer in Illinois earns approximately $61,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $104,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,500.
What city in Illinois pays sales engineers the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for sales engineers, with a median salary of $117,212. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.