Mechanical engineers in Illinois earn an average salary of $90,000 to $100,000, with entry-level positions starting at $65,000. Chicago offers the highest pay, while aerospace and automotive industries provide top salaries. Certifications and experience boost earnings. Illinois provides competitive wages, strong job growth, and diverse industry opportunities, making it ideal for engineers.
Introduction: How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Earn in Illinois?
Illinois is home to a diverse range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to manufacturing and energy, making it a great place for mechanical engineers. With a high demand for skilled professionals, salaries in Illinois are competitive compared to other states.
Understanding salary trends is crucial for job seekers, professionals, and those planning their career advancement. This guide explores average salaries, highest-paying cities, top industries, and strategies to maximize earnings as a mechanical engineer in Illinois.
Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in Illinois
Mechanical engineers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $90,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, industry, and location.
Comparison with the National Average and Neighboring States
- National Average Salary: ~$96,000
- Illinois Average Salary: $90,000 – $100,000
- Indiana Average Salary: ~$85,000
- Wisconsin Average Salary: ~$87,000
- Michigan Average Salary: ~$92,000
Illinois salaries are comparable to neighboring states but slightly below states like California and New York. However, Illinois offers more affordable living costs than these high-paying states.
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Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Illinois
New mechanical engineers in Illinois typically earn between $65,000 and $75,000 per year.
Factors Influencing Starting Salaries
- Education – Engineers with a master’s degree start with higher salaries.
- Internships & Experience – Prior industry experience can add $5,000 to $10,000 to starting pay.
- Industry – Aerospace and automotive offer higher starting salaries.
- Location – Engineers in Chicago tend to earn more than those in smaller cities.
Experienced and Senior Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Illinois
Salary Growth Based on Experience and Expertise
- 5-10 years of experience: $95,000 – $115,000
- 10+ years of experience: $115,000 – $135,000
Pay Scale for Mid-Level and Senior Mechanical Engineers
- Mid-Level Engineers (5-10 years) – Can expect $95,000 to $115,000.
- Senior Engineers (10+ years) – Salaries reach $120,000 to $140,000, especially in leadership roles.
- Engineering Managers – Can earn $130,000 to $160,000 annually.
Highest-Paying Cities for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois
Salaries vary based on the cost of living and industry presence in different cities.
- Chicago – $95,000 – $120,000 (Strong aerospace, finance, and manufacturing sectors)
- Aurora – $90,000 – $110,000 (Growing industrial and tech sectors)
- Rockford – $85,000 – $100,000 (Manufacturing and automation industries)
- Naperville – $90,000 – $115,000 (Technology and energy sectors)
- Peoria – $85,000 – $105,000 (Heavy machinery and Caterpillar headquarters)
Chicago offers the highest salaries due to its large job market and industry diversity.
Top Industries for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois
High-Paying Sectors for Mechanical Engineers
- Aerospace & Defense – $100,000 – $130,000 (Boeing, Northrop Grumman)
- Automotive – $95,000 – $120,000 (Ford, Navistar)
- Manufacturing & Robotics – $90,000 – $115,000
- Renewable Energy & Power – $90,000 – $110,000
- Medical Devices & Healthcare Technology – $95,000 – $120,000
The aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries offer higher salaries due to specialized skills and technology-driven demand.
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Mechanical Engineer Salary in Illinois vs. Other States
How Illinois Salaries Compare
| State | Average Salary ($) | High-End Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $110,000 | $130,000+ |
| New York | $100,000 | $120,000+ |
| Texas | $95,000 | $115,000+ |
| Illinois | $90,000 | $110,000+ |
| Michigan | $92,000 | $110,000+ |
While California and New York offer higher salaries, Illinois provides a balance of competitive wages and lower living costs.
Impact of Education & Certifications on Mechanical Engineer Salaries
Does a Master’s Degree Increase Salary?
A master’s degree can increase earnings by 10-15%, leading to salaries above $110,000.
The Effect of a PE (Professional Engineer) License
Earning a PE license can add $10,000 to $20,000 to your salary and opens doors for leadership roles.
Additional Certifications That Boost Salary
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
- Six Sigma Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
These certifications can increase salary by 5-15%, depending on industry.
Mechanical Engineering Job Market in Illinois
Industry Demand & Employment Outlook
Illinois has strong demand for mechanical engineers, with key industries driving steady job growth.
- Aerospace & Defense – Expanding due to Boeing’s presence
- Manufacturing & Robotics – Growth in industrial automation
- Automotive – Rising demand for electric and autonomous vehicles
- Renewable Energy – Investment in sustainable energy solutions
The job market is stable, with a projected growth of 4-6% over the next decade.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Mechanical Engineer in Illinois
- Specialize in High-Paying Fields – Aerospace, automotive, and energy pay more.
- Obtain a PE License – Required for many senior roles.
- Get Advanced Certifications – PMP, Six Sigma, and CEM can lead to higher pay.
- Negotiate Your Salary – Research salaries and negotiate confidently.
- Network and Build Industry Connections – Join ASME and local engineering groups.
Benefits & Perks for Mechanical Engineers in Illinois
Many companies offer competitive benefits, including:
- Health Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plans – Often with employer-matching contributions
- Bonuses & Profit-Sharing – Performance-based incentives
- Stock Options – Offered by major tech and aerospace firms
- Paid Time Off & Work-Life Balance Perks
These benefits add significant value to total compensation.
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Future Outlook: Mechanical Engineer Salary Trends in Illinois
- Automation & Robotics – Increased demand for engineers in manufacturing
- Sustainable Energy – Growth in renewable power engineering jobs
- Advanced Automotive Technologies – Rise in electric vehicle engineering roles
- Aerospace Expansion – More job opportunities in defense and space industries
Salaries are expected to rise by 5-8% over the next five years due to technological advancements and industry growth.
Conclusion: Is Illinois a Good Place for Mechanical Engineers?
✅ Competitive salaries
✅ Strong job market
✅ Diverse industry opportunities
✅ Lower cost of living compared to high-paying states
Illinois is a great state for mechanical engineers, offering high-paying jobs, strong industry presence, and opportunities for career growth, making it an excellent choice for professionals in this field.
ZAK Engineer is an experienced engineer with 15 years in the mechanical and industrial sectors. Holding advanced degrees and multiple certifications in engineering, he combines technical expertise with a passion for writing to provide valuable insights into engineering innovations and business strategies. His content empowers professionals to excel in their fields and stay updated with the latest industry trends.