Combines electrical and instrumentation engineering disciplines, responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems and field instrumentation. Common in process industries including oil & gas, refining, and petrochemical plants.
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry Level | 0-2 years | $63,448 | $57,103 - $69,793 |
Mid Level | 3-7 years | $90,640 | $81,576 - $99,704 |
Senior Level | 8+ years | $126,896 | $114,206 - $139,586 |
Salary data based on Industry surveys and market analysis. Actual salaries may vary based on company size, specific skills, certifications, and individual negotiation.
Illinois has a cost of living index of 0.92compared to the national average. Salaries in this state are typically adjusted by a factor of 1.03x to maintain purchasing power relative to local costs.
Core PLC programming language using ladder diagrams
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000 software
Human-Machine Interface design and programming
Ability to diagnose and resolve PLC and control system issues
Understanding electrical diagrams and control panel layouts
Ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences
Programming Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal
Experience with SCADA systems like Wonderware or Ignition
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These certifications can help advance your Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer career and increase earning potential:
Entry-level certification for Common Industrial Protocol networking
Professional certification for Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000
Certification for Siemens PLC programming using TIA Portal
State-issued professional engineering license
Current demand levels for Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer across various industries:
Strong demand for automation across all manufacturing sectors
EV transition driving need for new automation systems
Increasing automation for quality control and efficiency
Strict compliance requirements driving automation investment
Steady demand for control system maintenance and upgrades
Designs, develops, and manages automated control systems for industrial processes.
Develops and implements automation solutions to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.
Designs and maintains SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.
The average Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer salary in Illinois is $93,661 per year. Entry-level positions start around $63,448, while senior professionals can earn $126,896 or more depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry.
Key skills for a Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer include Ladder Logic Programming, Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation, HMI Design, and Troubleshooting & Debugging. Preferred skills that can enhance your career prospects include Siemens PLC (S7, TIA Portal) and SCADA Systems.
Valuable certifications include CIP Associate Certificate, Rockwell Automation Certified Professional, Siemens Certified Programmer. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional development, often leading to higher salaries and better career opportunities. Many employers in Illinois prefer or require these certifications.
Illinois has a cost of living index of 0.92 compared to the national average. Salaries in Illinois are typically adjusted higher(by a factor of 1.03x) to account for local living costs, including housing, transportation, and other expenses.
The top industries in Illinois for Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer positions include Manufacturing, Transportation, Finance, Agriculture. Major employment hubs are located in Chicago and Aurora, where many companies are actively hiring for automation and control systems roles.
Get 20 production-ready ladder logic templates to build the skills you need to earn $93,661+ as a Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer in Illinois.
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