Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Rockford, IL
Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL, earn an average annual salary of $95,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this Illinois city. Factors such as the concentration of specific industries and the overall economic landscape of Rockford likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $95,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,470.
- Outlook: The Rockford, IL, job market for Mechanical Engineers appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 600 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.31 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles in Rockford compared to the rest of the United States, which points to strong local demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled engineers.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL earns-13.1%below the national average.
$45.8
$1,833
$7,943
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Rockford, IL, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing demand for engineering expertise typically drive salary increases, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field locally.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior engineers with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,000 | $29.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,490 | $34.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,840 | $44.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $119,150 | $57.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,470 | $61.3 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$95,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$95,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $95,320 for Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Rockford is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living, making it an attractive proposition for those considering relocation.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
4.3
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 2.3x the national concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.31, Rockford, IL, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers than the national average. This strong presence suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where demand for these professionals is elevated relative to other occupations, offering ample opportunities for skilled engineers to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $99,520↑ 4% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $103,010↑ 8% | 59 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $99,640↑ 5% | 65 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $93,290↓ 2% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Mechanical Engineers Salary | $107,040↑ 12% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL is $95,320. This typically ranges from $62,000 for entry-level positions to $127,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 13.1% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.Rockford, IL offers a solid average salary of $95,320 for Mechanical Engineers, which is competitive given the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. The high concentration of these roles (LQ of 2.31) indicates strong local demand.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($99,520) and Madison, WI.
How does the Rockford, IL salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL, earn an average of $95,320 annually, which is below the national average of $109,640. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is at the national average.
What is the job market like for Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL?
The job market is robust, with a local workforce of 600 Mechanical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 2.31, indicating a higher concentration of these roles than the national average.
Does experience impact salary for Mechanical Engineers in Rockford, IL?
Yes, experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level engineers earn less, while senior engineers with specialized skills and proven track records command higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Is the Cost of Living in Rockford, IL high for Mechanical Engineers?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the $95,320 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 4.3 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 Rockford, IL