Average Civil Engineers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Civil Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $107,650. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $106,590, indicating a strong demand and competitive compensation landscape within this major urban hub. The robust economic activity and significant infrastructure projects characteristic of the region likely contribute to this favorable pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $107,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $160,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,870 Civil Engineers, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the area is a significant employer, it may not be as specialized in civil engineering as some other regions. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of professionals indicates a consistent need for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+1.0%above the national average.
$51.8
$2,070
$8,971
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure development, and evolving project complexities typically drive upward salary adjustments in this profession.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management experience and advanced technical skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the top percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $73,090 | $35.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $80,738 | $38.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $100,280 | $48.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $134,563 | $64.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $160,840 | $77.3 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$107,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$107,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $107,650 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher-paying, high-cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
8,870
Total Jobs
1.983
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.86x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates that Civil Engineers are slightly less concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated. Professionals may find a good balance of opportunities and available roles, without facing extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Civil Engineers Salary | $86,690↓ 19% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Civil Engineers Salary | $90,780↓ 16% | 51 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Civil Engineers Salary | $91,780↓ 15% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Civil Engineers Salary | $95,250↓ 12% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $107,650. This typically ranges from $73,090 for entry-level positions to $160,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 1.0% higher than the national median of $106,590.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Civil Engineers.Civil Engineers in this area earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is precisely at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($86,690) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earn an average of $107,650 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $106,590.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on Civil Engineer salaries in Chicago?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $107,650 salary in Chicago offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
Is the job market for Civil Engineers in Chicago competitive?
The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a competitive but accessible market for Civil Engineers.
What is the total number of Civil Engineers employed in the Chicago area?
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area employs a significant workforce of 8,870 Civil Engineers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,870 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 1.983 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN