Mechanical Engineer Salary in Illinois: $109,945 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Illinois's 65 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $109,945/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because Illinois sits at BEA RPP 97.1 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $113,229 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Peoria ($128,710), Moline ($106,169), Rock Island ($104,524).
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Illinois can expect an average median salary of $109,945, which exceeds the national average of $107,150 by 2.6%. The highest-paying city in the state is Peoria, with a salary of $132,468, while Kankakee offers the lowest at $84,230. This disparity of $48,238 is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, demand for engineering expertise, and the presence of major industries in the area. For example, Peoria has a strong local economy centered around manufacturing and technology. With a total employment of 10,664 mechanical engineers in Illinois, the job market is projected to grow at an annual CAGR of 2.92%. This growth is driven by advancements in technology and an ongoing need for innovation in various sectors, including automotive and aerospace. It's important for engineers in Illinois to be aware of state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may vary from other states. These regulations can impact job opportunities and salary expectations. A clear understanding of these local factors can enhance career prospects and salary negotiation for those entering or advancing in the field of mechanical engineering.
Illinois Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Illinois: $57,769 (lowest entry-level) to $171,485 (highest top earner)
Illinois vs National Average
Illinois mechanical engineers earn 2.61% more than the national median (+$2,795/year difference).
Illinois Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in Illinois range from $75,964 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $162,141 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $109,945. The Illinois median is $2,795 above the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $52.86/hr. Approximately 10,664 mechanical engineers are employed across 65 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,686
2025 BLS Actual
$106,826
2026 Current Est.
$109,945
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,686 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,938 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,826 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,945 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,156 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Illinois metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 23.2% from $86,686 (2019) to $106,826 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,156 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,470 (30.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Illinois metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Illinois
Lowest Paying Cities in Illinois
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kankakee | $84,230 |
| Springfield | $95,633 |
| Carbondale | $96,883 |
| Elmhurst | $97,847 |
| Calumet City | $98,088 |
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Illinois cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria | $132,468 | 91.231 | $145,201 |
| Moline | $109,269 | 97.1 | $112,532 |
| Champaign | $104,042 | 92.704 | $112,230 |
| Rock Island | $107,576 | 97.1 | $110,789 |
| Rockford | $102,045 | 92.154 | $110,733 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $75,964 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $109,945 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $162,141 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Illinois metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 65 Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peoria | $132,468 |
| 2 | Moline | $109,269 |
| 3 | Rock Island | $107,576 |
| 4 | Naperville | $106,148 |
| 5 | Chicago | $105,050 |
| 6 | Decatur | $104,879 |
| 7 | Orland Park | $104,879 |
| 8 | Bolingbrook | $104,428 |
| 9 | Elgin | $104,114 |
| 10 | Champaign | $104,042 |
| 11 | Urbana | $103,663 |
| 12 | Palatine | $103,641 |
| 13 | Waukegan | $103,584 |
| 14 | Bloomington | $103,435 |
| 15 | Mount Prospect | $103,387 |
| 16 | Hoffman Estates | $103,052 |
| 17 | Evanston | $102,855 |
| 18 | Joliet | $102,768 |
| 19 | Oak Park | $102,683 |
| 20 | Danville | $102,470 |
| 21 | Addison | $102,254 |
| 22 | Berwyn | $102,208 |
| 23 | Aurora | $102,141 |
| 24 | Tinley Park | $102,125 |
| 25 | Rockford | $102,045 |
| 26 | Northbrook | $102,022 |
| 27 | St. Charles | $101,957 |
| 28 | Gurnee | $101,933 |
| 29 | Arlington Heights | $101,790 |
| 30 | Wheaton | $101,659 |
| 31 | Woodridge | $101,628 |
| 32 | Schaumburg | $101,577 |
| 33 | Buffalo Grove | $101,548 |
| 34 | Bartlett | $101,540 |
| 35 | Lake in the Hills | $101,162 |
| 36 | Collinsville | $101,147 |
| 37 | Skokie | $101,118 |
| 38 | Wheeling | $100,970 |
| 39 | Carpentersville | $100,857 |
| 40 | Oak Lawn | $100,791 |
| 41 | O'Fallon | $100,769 |
| 42 | Quincy | $100,376 |
| 43 | Algonquin | $100,376 |
| 44 | Carol Stream | $100,287 |
| 45 | Normal | $100,282 |
| 46 | Lombard | $100,223 |
| 47 | Cicero | $100,119 |
| 48 | Plainfield | $100,015 |
| 49 | Des Plaines | $99,996 |
| 50 | Oswego | $99,613 |
| 51 | DeKalb | $99,533 |
| 52 | Park Ridge | $99,453 |
| 53 | Hanover Park | $99,412 |
| 54 | Glenview | $99,404 |
| 55 | Romeoville | $99,003 |
| 56 | Streamwood | $98,867 |
| 57 | Downers Grove | $98,682 |
| 58 | Belleville | $98,658 |
| 59 | Crystal Lake | $98,498 |
| 60 | Galesburg | $98,120 |
| 61 | Calumet City | $98,088 |
| 62 | Elmhurst | $97,847 |
| 63 | Carbondale | $96,883 |
| 64 | Springfield | $95,633 |
| 65 | Kankakee | $84,230 |
More Illinois Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Compare Cities in Illinois
View all comparisons →Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Illinois in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for mechanical engineers in Illinois?
How does Illinois mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
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Which Illinois city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across Illinois. State averages are employment-weighted across 65 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov