On Call Systems Engineer information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$55.1K - $65.7K
2% of jobs
$65.7K - $76.4K
4% of jobs
$100.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$97.6K - $108.3K
10% of jobs
$108.3K - $118.9K
7% of jobs
$118.9K - $129.5K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $131.3K / yr.
$129.5K - $140.1K
6% of jobs
$140.1K - $150.8K
3% of jobs
$161.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$150.8K - $161.4K
17% of jobs
$161.4K - $172K
24% of jobs
How much do on call systems engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for on call systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
On Call Systems Engineers often deal with unpredictable schedules and the pressure of resolving critical issues quickly, sometimes outside regular business hours. Managing these challenges involves strong time management, clear communication with team members, and thorough documentation to ensure smooth handovers. Many organizations provide tools and protocols to help engineers triage and prioritize incidents, and regular post-incident reviews can support continuous improvement. Building a supportive team culture and setting clear boundaries during off-call hours are also key to maintaining work-life balance.
To thrive as an On Call Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or IT, expertise in troubleshooting, and experience with system administration. Familiarity with monitoring tools, incident management platforms, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure rapid resolution of critical issues and reliable system uptime, minimizing business disruptions.
On Call Systems Engineers are IT professionals responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer systems and networks outside regular business hours. They are typically available during nights, weekends, or holidays to respond to urgent technical issues, system outages, or security incidents. Their main goal is to ensure system reliability and minimize downtime by quickly addressing and resolving problems as they arise. On Call Systems Engineers often work as part of a rotating team and must be skilled in problem-solving, communication, and various technical domains.
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
