Chicago vs Moline: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Moline, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Moline, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,050 | $109,269▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.50 | $52.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,853 | $78,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,568 | $88,157▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,115 | $137,445▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,325 | $163,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,900▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Moline, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Moline is $4,219 (4.02%). Moline's median is +1.98% 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,Moline spans $84,603. 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, Moline ($112,532 effective) pays 10.97% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (6,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Moline if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,299)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,532)
- ✓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 8.6% growth in Moline over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$87,370 (2019) → $102,070 (2025)
Moline, IL
$97,773 (2024) → $106,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Moline, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Chicago or Moline?
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Should I relocate from Chicago to Moline as a mechanical engineer?
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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