Science & Research Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median biomedical engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $107,781 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$107,781
vs State Avg
+$12,087
vs National
+$7,051
Cost of Living
107%

Biomedical Engineer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median biomedical engineer salary of $107,781, which is $12,087 above the Illinois state average of $95,694. Compared to the national median of $100,730, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for biomedical engineers in Chicago spans from $66,340 at the 10th percentile to $166,920 at the 90th percentile — a $100,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,550, while senior biomedical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,360. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level biomedical engineer earns around $69,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,550
+$4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,140
+$7,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,360
+$10,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $66,340
25th Percentile $84,530
Median (50th) $107,781
75th Percentile $134,820
90th Percentile $166,920

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$108,788
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$95,694
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$85,621
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$82,599
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in Chicago

Education

Most biomedical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical DevicesCAD/CAMFDA RegulationsBiomechanicsMATLABClinical Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, biomedical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Biomedical Engineer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open biomedical engineer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Biomedical Engineer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Biomedical Engineer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median biomedical engineer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $107,781 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $100,730. Salaries range from $66,340 (10th percentile) to $166,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Biomedical Engineer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,781, a biomedical engineer in Chicago earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for biomedical engineer pay? ▼
Chicago's median biomedical engineer salary of $107,781 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $95,694. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a biomedical engineer salary of $107,781 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a biomedical engineer in Chicago? ▼
Most biomedical engineer positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Devices, CAD/CAM, FDA Regulations, Biomechanics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.