Chicago vs Joliet: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Joliet, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Joliet, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,050▲ | $102,768 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.50▲ | $49.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,853 | $73,377▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,568▲ | $82,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,115▲ | $131,543 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,325▲ | $159,290 |
| Total Employed | 6,900▲ | 25 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joliet.
The salary gap between Chicago and Joliet is $2,282 (2.22%). Chicago's median is -1.96% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $93,472,Joliet spans $85,913. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Joliet ($105,837 effective) pays 4.37% more than Chicago ($101,405 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,325)
- ✓Larger job market (6,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Joliet if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,837)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Chicago grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Joliet over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$87,370 (2019) → $102,070 (2025)
Joliet, IL
$98,404 (2024) → $99,852 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Joliet, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Chicago or Joliet?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Joliet?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Joliet as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Chicago vs Joliet?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov