Engineering Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median mechanical engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $103,052 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$103,052
vs State Avg
+$11,557
vs National
+$6,742
Cost of Living
107%

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $69,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,660 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)
$102,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,660
+$9,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $67,838
25th Percentile $84,316
Median (50th) $103,052
75th Percentile $127,972
90th Percentile $156,434

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$104,015
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$91,495
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$81,864
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$78,974
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Chicago

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $103,052 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $67,838 (10th percentile) to $156,434 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,052, a mechanical engineer in Chicago earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Chicago's median mechanical engineer salary of $103,052 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $91,495. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $103,052 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Chicago? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Chicago 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.