Mechanical Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 12K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$102,680
$49.37/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-2.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $160K
12K employed in Illinois
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Illinois is $102,680 per year, reflecting a stable career path in the state's manufacturing and industrial sectors. With approximately 11,790 mechanical engineers employed across Illinois, the field represents a significant portion of the state's engineering workforce. However, this median falls about 3 percent below the national average, indicating regional salary variations.
Compensation for mechanical engineers in Illinois varies considerably based on experience, education, and industry specialization. Salaries typically range from $72,150 for entry-level positions to $160,160 for highly experienced professionals. Factors such as employer size, geographic location within the state, and sector focus—whether automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing—significantly influence earning potential and career progression opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,150 |
| 25th percentile | $83,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,680 |
| 75th percentile | $130,730 |
| 90th percentile | $160,160 |
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer in Illinois
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Illinois — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rivian Automotive, LLC | 22 | $120,000 |
| 2 | Traton R&D US LLC | 16 | $136,422 |
| 3 | Caresoft Global Technologies Inc | 8 | $100,693 |
| 4 | Gotion Illinois New Energy Inc. | 6 | $111,500 |
| 5 | CATERPILLAR INC. | 5 | $95,680 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Illinois
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Illinois.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $77,896 | 23 |
| Level II | Qualified | $97,580 | 62 |
| Level III | Experienced | $116,256 | 45 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $134,550 | 34 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,820 |
| 2023 | $99,420 |
| 2024 | $99,730 |
| 2025 | $102,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,717 |
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 | $94,820 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $99,420 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $99,730 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $102,680 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,717 | $108,534 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $130,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,160 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Mechanical Engineer ($102,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +59.3% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +31.0% | $64.67/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | +23.3% | $60.88/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | +18.4% | $58.44/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | +6.1% | $52.38/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | +5.2% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | +5.0% | $51.86/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -2.1% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -2.8% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -12.8% | $43.04/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IL | $103,470 | +0.8% | $49.75/hr |
| Art Director in IL | $103,550 | +0.8% | $49.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Illinois?
- Mechanical engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $102,680 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -2.6%.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Illinois?
- The salary range for mechanical engineers in Illinois spans from $72,150 at the lower end to $160,160 at the higher end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is Illinois a good state for mechanical engineer salaries compared to the national average?
- Illinois mechanical engineer salaries are slightly below the national average by 2.6%, meaning the median of $102,680 is moderately competitive but not among the highest-paying states for this profession.
How many mechanical engineers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 11,790 mechanical engineers currently employed in Illinois, representing a substantial job market for this profession in the state.