Mechanical Engineer Salary in Berwyn, IL: $102,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Berwyn, IL earns a median $102,208/year (≈ $49.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Berwyn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $105,261 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, mechanical engineers in Berwyn, Illinois are projected to earn a median annual salary of $102,208, slightly below the national median of $107,150. This local opportunity features a salary range from $68,616 at the lower end to $157,192 at the top tier, reflecting the diverse roles and industries present in the region. As a city that historically supports HVAC and building systems, achieving a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance one's earning potential. While the figures presented are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, the current job market reveals a modest growth trajectory of 2.92% annually, indicating a stable demand for skilled mechanical engineers.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,616 | $32.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,943 | $40.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,208 | $49.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,131 | $61.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $157,192 | $75.57 |
Median Salary Position
4.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
In Berwyn, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,576 (2026 est.). At $102,208, the local median is 4.61% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berwyn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berwyn Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Berwyn median: $102,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berwyn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,449 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -4.61% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Berwyn, IL earn a median of $102,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $103,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berwyn has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berwyn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $102,208 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,261 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,351
2025 BLS Actual
$99,308
2026 Current Est.
$102,208
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,001 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,192 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berwyn metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $84,351 (2019) to $99,308 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,841 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,616 – $84,943 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,943 – $102,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,208 – $128,131 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,131 – $157,192 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Berwyn
Berwyn’s labor market shows that there are 12 mechanical engineers currently employed in the area, a relatively small number that suggests both competition and specialized opportunities. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries might be slightly below national averages, the purchasing power remains appealing compared to more expensive regions. Major employers like Tesla and Rivian are expected to provide higher pay within the automotive sector, while aerospace firms such as Boeing or Lockheed Martin may also offer lucrative salaries, especially for engineers with security clearances. Understanding the influences on the salary spectrum, such as industry demand, the value of a PE license, and the choice between individual contributor roles and management tracks, can be crucial for maximizing mechanical engineer pay in Berwyn, IL. Pursuing roles in high-growth sectors, securing certifications, and considering equity compensation options in tech-adjacent companies may provide further financial advantages in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,308 for mechanical engineersin the Berwyn metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berwyn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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