Materials Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 290+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$126,620
$60.88/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
+16.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $166K
290 employed in Illinois
Materials Engineer salary in Illinois averages $126,620 per year, positioning the state well above the national benchmark. This median reflects compensation for approximately 290 workers in the field across Illinois. The salary range spans from $71,780 to $165,710 annually, demonstrating significant variation based on individual qualifications and employer type.
Several factors influence Materials Engineer salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specialization in areas like aerospace or automotive manufacturing can also impact earnings. Engineers with advanced certifications or those working for larger corporations or research institutions typically command higher compensation packages than those in smaller firms.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,780 |
| 25th percentile | $91,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,620 |
| 75th percentile | $136,710 |
| 90th percentile | $165,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,780 |
| 2023 | $98,060 |
| 2024 | $105,980 |
| 2025 | $126,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,217 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,780 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $98,060 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $105,980 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $126,620 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,217 | $115,400 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,710 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Materials Engineer ($126,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +29.2% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +6.2% | $64.67/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | -4.0% | $58.44/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | -14.0% | $52.38/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | -14.7% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | -14.8% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -18.9% | $49.37/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -20.6% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -21.2% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -29.3% | $43.04/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IL | $127,270 | +0.5% | $61.19/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IL | $124,180 | -1.9% | $59.70/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Illinois?
- Materials engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $126,620 per year, or $61 per hour. This is 16.3% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Illinois?
- Materials engineer salaries in Illinois range from $71,780 at the lower end to $165,710 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific job responsibilities.
Is Illinois a good state for materials engineer jobs?
- Yes, Illinois offers above-average compensation for materials engineers, with salaries 16.3% higher than the national average. The state currently employs 290 materials engineers, providing reasonable job opportunities in the field.
What's the hourly wage for a materials engineer in Illinois?
- The median hourly wage for materials engineers in Illinois is $61 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of $126,620. This hourly rate is competitive compared to the national average for the profession.