Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Electrical Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $118,690. This figure is slightly below the national average of $121,030, suggesting a nuanced compensation landscape influenced by local economic factors and industry demand within the region. The specific pay rates are often a reflection of the intricate balance between the specialized skills required for electrical engineering roles and the prevailing economic conditions of this major Midwestern hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,580.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area supports a substantial workforce of 4,340 Electrical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. This suggests a consistent demand for skilled electrical engineers, providing a solid foundation for career opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-1.9%below the national average.
$57.1
$2,283
$9,891
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, technological advancements, and increasing demand for infrastructure and innovation typically drive upward salary adjustments in specialized fields like electrical engineering.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project management skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge, leadership, and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,070 | $36.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,018 | $42.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $109,010 | $52.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $148,363 | $71.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $168,580 | $81 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $118,690 for Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Electrical Engineer's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
4,340
Total Jobs
0.969
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.79x the national average concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Electrical Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. The job market is competitive but offers room for growth as the region continues to develop and innovate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Electrical Engineers Salary | $93,210↓ 21% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Electrical Engineers Salary | $103,280↓ 13% | 51 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Electrical Engineers Salary | $93,910↓ 21% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Electrical Engineers Salary | $116,060↓ 2% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $118,690. This typically ranges from $76,070 for entry-level positions to $168,580 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 1.9% lower than the national median of $121,030.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.Electrical Engineers in this area earn a competitive $118,690, which aligns with the national average cost of living. This balance makes it a financially sound location for the profession.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Electrical 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 ($93,210) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago Electrical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $118,690, which is slightly lower than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.79, indicating a slightly lower presence of Electrical Engineers compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN affect an Electrical Engineer's salary?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $118,690 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What is the total number of Electrical Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?
There are approximately 4,340 Electrical Engineers employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,340 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.969 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN