Engineering Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median mechanical engineer salary in Aurora, IL is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$91,495
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,815
Cost of Living
95%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $91,495, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $91,495. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 mechanical engineers in Aurora spans from $60,230 at the 10th percentile to $138,890 at the 90th percentile — a $78,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,750, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,100. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
$-6,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $60,230
25th Percentile $74,860
Median (50th) $91,495
75th Percentile $113,620
90th Percentile $138,890

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$104,015
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$103,052
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$81,864
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$78,974
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Aurora

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Aurora

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Aurora, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Aurora

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Aurora, Illinois is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $60,230 (10th percentile) to $138,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,495, a mechanical engineer in Aurora earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Aurora's median mechanical engineer salary of $91,495 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $91,495. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $91,495 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Aurora? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Aurora require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.