Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rockford, IL: $102,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Rockford, IL earns a median $102,045/year (≈ $49.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Rockford's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $110,733 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for mechanical engineers in Rockford, Illinois, stands at $102,045, indicating a slight dip compared to the national median of $107,150. This salary reflects a wide range, from $72,816 at the lower 10th percentile to $145,755 at the upper 90th percentile, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. While Rockford’s compensation structure may not compete directly with areas such as California, where aerospace giants like SpaceX and Tesla significantly influence salary levels with equity components, the local market still shows promise and steady demand. The city's mechanical engineering landscape benefits from both industrial and aerospace sectors, making it a viable option for those entering or advancing in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,816 | $35.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,734 | $40.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,045 | $49.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,701 | $61.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,755 | $70.08 |
Median Salary Position
4.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
In Rockford, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,939 (2026 est.). At $102,045, the local median is 4.76% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockford Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Rockford median: $102,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,389 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -4.76% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL earn a median of $102,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $103,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockford has a cost of living 7.85% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockford, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.154 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $102,045 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,733 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.51% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,160
2025 BLS Actual
$99,150
2026 Current Est.
$102,045
2019–2027 Growth
+34.4%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockford metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 26.9% from $78,160 (2019) to $99,150 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,865 (34.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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) | $72,816 – $84,734 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,734 – $102,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,045 – $128,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,701 – $145,755 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Rockford
Rockford's job market for mechanical engineers encompasses approximately 640 professionals contributing to various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, HVAC, and industrial manufacturing. The cost of living index in Rockford is 92.154, suggesting that these salaries provide reasonable purchasing power compared to national averages. Some of the highest-paying employers include companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and various automotive firms competing for talent in the emerging electric vehicle market. The broad salary spread can often be attributed to factors like industry specialization—where aerospace roles tend to offer more competitive packages—professional engineering licensure for HVAC positions, and the potential for security clearances with defense contractors. To maximize earning potential in Rockford, engineers should consider pursuing licensure, leveraging skills unique to high-demand sectors, and aiming for positions that may incorporate equity or stock options, fostering long-term growth in their compensation.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 $99,150 for mechanical engineersin the Rockford 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
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