Junior Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in Chicago (2026)
Junior Embedded Systems Engineers in Chicago earn a median base salary of $132K per year, based on 5,000 verified data points. This guide covers salary ranges, total comp, and negotiation tactics specific to the junior level in 2026.
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Embedded Systems Engineer salary by level in Chicago
See how junior-level pay compares to other seniority bands for the same role and location.
* Figures are approximate estimates relative to the junior-level verified data above.
What does a Junior Embedded Systems Engineer earn in Chicago in 2026?
The median base salary for a Junior Embedded Systems Engineer in Chicago is $132K per year, with the 25th–75th percentile range spanning $104K–$167K. Total annual compensation — including bonuses and equity — typically reaches $144K at the median for junior-level engineers.
At the junior level, engineers are typically 0–2 years into their careers and working under close mentorship. Compensation reflects this: base salaries sit well below the market median across all seniority bands, but the gap closes quickly with demonstrated impact.
To negotiate effectively, open at $153K — the 65th percentile for this level and location — which gives you room to settle above median while appearing reasonable. Know your walk-away floor: $104K.
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Top-paying companies for Junior Embedded Systems Engineers in Chicago
| Company | Median Base |
|---|---|
| $176K | |
| Meta | $172K |
| Apple | $162K |
| Netflix | $270K |
| Stripe | $179K |
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