Rock Island vs Springfield: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Rock Island, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rock Island, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,576▲ | $95,633 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.72▲ | $45.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,134▲ | $61,968 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,280▲ | $79,598 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,474▲ | $123,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,019▲ | $146,332 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Rock Island, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Rock Island and Springfield is $11,943 (12.49%). Rock Island's median is +0.40% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rock Island spans $85,885,Springfield spans $84,364. Rock Island 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, Rock Island ($110,789 effective) pays 7.44% more than Springfield ($103,114 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rock Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,576/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,019)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,789)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Rock Island grew 8.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Rock Island, IL
$96,259 (2024) → $104,524 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$95,760 (2019) → $92,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rock Island, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Rock Island or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rock Island and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Rock Island to Springfield as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Rock Island vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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