Engineering Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median mechanical engineer salary in Rockford, IL is $78,974 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$78,974
vs State Avg
$-12,521
vs National
$-17,336
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $78,974, which is $12,521 below the Illinois state average of $91,495. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $78,974 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Rockford spans from $51,988 at the 10th percentile to $119,884 at the 90th percentile — a $67,896 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,160. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,300
$-11,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,720
$-17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,160
$-24,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $51,988
25th Percentile $64,616
Median (50th) $78,974
75th Percentile $98,072
90th Percentile $119,884

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$104,015
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$103,052
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$91,495
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$81,864
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Rockford

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $78,974 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $51,988 (10th percentile) to $119,884 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,974, a mechanical engineer in Rockford earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Rockford's median mechanical engineer salary of $78,974 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $91,495. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $78,974 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Rockford? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Rockford 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.