Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cicero, IL: $100,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cicero, IL earns a median $100,119/year (≈ $48.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,109 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median mechanical engineer salary in Cicero, IL is projected to be $100,119, which is about 6.56% lower than the national median of $107,150. Mechanical engineers in this area can expect a salary range from $71,954 at the 10th percentile to $155,184 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and factors such as the local cost of living must be considered alongside the salary. With the growing demand for mechanical engineers, particularly in HVAC and building systems, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can further enhance earning potential in Cicero’s job market.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,954 | $34.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,755 | $38.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,119 | $48.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,877 | $61.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,184 | $74.61 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,230 (2026 est.). At $100,119, the local median is 6.56% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cicero median: $100,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,428 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.56% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Cicero, IL earn a median of $100,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $103,428.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero 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.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $100,119 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,109 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,627
2025 BLS Actual
$97,278
2026 Current Est.
$100,119
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,046 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $82,627 (2019) to $97,278 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,415 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $71,954 – $80,755 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,755 – $100,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,119 – $126,877 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,877 – $155,184 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cicero
Despite the lower median salary compared to national averages, Cicero offers a relatively favorable cost of living with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which can augment take-home pay effectiveness. Currently, the local workforce includes around 21 mechanical engineers, indicating a niche yet stable environment for employment. Among employers, industries like aerospace and defense, including major players like Boeing and SpaceX, typically offer higher salaries compared to automotive firms such as Tesla and Rivian. The compensation spread reflects various factors, including the necessity for PE licensure in HVAC roles, security clearance in defense positions, and the structural differences in pay linked to career advancement paths like individual contributor versus management roles. To maximize salary potential in Cicero, individuals should focus on gaining relevant certifications, considering industries with strong demand, and negotiating equity or bonuses where applicable.
More salary data for Cicero, 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 $97,278 for mechanical engineersin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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