Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Illinois
Mechanical Engineers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $104,460, which is slightly below the national average of $109,640. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors including the state's specific industry demands, the cost of living, and the overall supply and demand dynamics within the region's engineering sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $143,500.
- Outlook: Illinois boasts a substantial workforce of 9,920 Mechanical Engineers, indicating a significant presence in the state's economy. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these professionals is just shy of the national average, suggesting a robust but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 1.635 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a steady demand for skilled mechanical engineering talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Illinois earns-4.7%below the national average.
$50.2
$2,009
$8,705
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased demand for specialized engineering services, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in technical fields.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Illinois
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start around the lower percentiles, while senior and lead engineers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized knowledge, and proven track records. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential within the state.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $67,200 | $32.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,345 | $37.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,730 | $47.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $130,575 | $62.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $143,500 | $69 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,791
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average nominal salary of $104,460 in Illinois presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index indicates that living expenses in Illinois are approximately 8.2% lower than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Illinois is effectively higher than the raw salary figure suggests, offering a good quality of life.
Job Market Context
9,920
Total Jobs
1.635
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.88x the national average concentration of Mechanical 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 0.88 for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois suggests that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present, but perhaps not as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher LQ. It implies a balanced environment for job seekers, with opportunities available without extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,820↓ 3% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,110↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,200↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $113,630↑ 9% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,920↑ 2% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Illinois is $104,460. This typically ranges from $67,200 for entry-level positions to $143,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 4.7% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Illinois offers a good balance of salary and cost of living for Mechanical Engineers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living index means your earnings have greater purchasing power. The substantial workforce and steady job market also contribute to its appeal.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($100,820) and Decatur, IL.
What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Illinois?
The average annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Illinois is $104,460.
How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Illinois ($104,460) is slightly lower than the national average ($109,640).
Is the job market for Mechanical Engineers strong in Illinois?
Yes, with a workforce of nearly 10,000 and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 1.635, the market shows steady demand.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect a Mechanical Engineer's salary?
Illinois has a cost of living index of 91.8, meaning it's cheaper than the national average. This makes the $104,460 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,920 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 1.635 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois