How much does a 2nd Assistant Engineer make in Illinois? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2nd Assistant Engineer in Illinois is $80,008 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a 2nd Assistant Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,447
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,107 to $84,949
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,735

Key Factors That Influence 2nd Assistant Engineer Salaries

A 2nd Assistant 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.

How Experience Level Affects 2nd Assistant Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2nd Assistant 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $78,978
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $94,449
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $113,889
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $138,669
  • Expert (over 8 years): $163,603
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
2nd Assistant Engineer less than 1 year $78,978
Reliability Engineer II 1-2 years $94,449
Reliability Engineer III 2-4 years $113,889
Reliability Engineer IV 5-8 years $138,669
Reliability Engineer V over 8 years $163,603

Top Paying Cities for 2nd Assistant Engineer

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:

  • Effingham: $73,751
  • Saint Peter: $73,650
  • Salem: $73,930

2nd Assistant Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2nd Assistant 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 2nd Assistant Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2nd Assistant Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 2nd Assistant Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction $96,009 $46.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $96,009 $46.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $92,009 $44.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $88,008 $42.0 10%
MFG Durable $88,008 $42.0 10%

2nd Assistant Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2nd Assistant 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$74,107
Average $80,008/year
$84,949
$6,176
Average $6,667/month
$7,079
$1,425
Average $1,539/week
$1,634
$36
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,949 $7,079 $1,634 $41
Average $80,008 $6,667 $1,539 $38
25th Percentile $74,107 $6,176 $1,425 $36

Find Your Next 2nd Assistant Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 2nd Assistant Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • CRRC Sifang America | Schiller Park, IL

    CRRC Sifang America | Schiller Park, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Summary. The Assistant Field Engineer is to assist our Commissioning and Functional Engineer(“COF Engineer”) to provide o... more

    7 Days Ago

  • CRRC Sifang America | Chicago, IL

    CRRC Sifang America | Chicago, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Summary. CRRC Sifang America(“CRRC”) is seeking detail-oriented and passionate individuals to join our team as Assistant ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • American Constructors, Inc. | Mundelein, IL

    American Constructors, Inc. | Mundelein, IL

    Job Description. Stronger Career Growth, Better Local Projects, Employee-Owned Since 1979. \n. This is the opportunity for a Project Engineer or Assistant ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • EnhancU | Mundelein, IL

    EnhancU | Mundelein, IL

    Job Description. BUILD WITH SULLIVAN. \n. Crafting Iconic Spaces for the World’s Leading Brands. \n. \n. The Opportunity. \n. Is a full‑time Assistant Proj... more

    6 Days Ago

  • DENTAL ASSISTANT OPENING | BEND, OR

    DENTAL ASSISTANT OPENING | BEND, OR

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    24 Days Ago

  • Software Engineer -- Evergreen | MUNDELEIN, IL

    Software Engineer -- Evergreen | MUNDELEIN, IL

    Job Description. Software Engineer — Pipeline Requisition. \n. Location. [Remote / Hybrid / On-site]. Employment type. Full-time. Level. Engineer I through... more

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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