Rockford vs Waukegan: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Rockford, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,045 | $103,584▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06 | $49.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,816▲ | $71,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,734▲ | $81,542 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,701 | $131,527▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,755 | $160,555▲ |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Rockford and Waukegan is $1,539 (1.51%). Waukegan's median is -3.33% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $72,939,Waukegan spans $88,789. Waukegan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($110,733 effective) pays 3.80% more than Waukegan ($106,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,733)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,584/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,555)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Rockford grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$78,160 (2019) → $99,150 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$99,185 (2024) → $100,645 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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