Mechanical Engineers Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $83,480 -18.4% vs national
Median hourly $40.14
10th percentile $58,320
90th percentile $127,070
Employed locally 200
National median $102,320

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Mechanical Engineers
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Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,320
    25th
    $72,790
    50th (median)
    $83,480
    75th
    $101,870
    90th
    $127,070

    Top-paying metros for Mechanical Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area $181,480
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $147,730
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $145,640
    New Mexico $141,490
    Salinas, CA $141,420
    Baton Rouge, LA $132,850

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Industrial Engineers $86,760
    Civil Engineers $93,960
    Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $75,700
    Electrical Engineers $104,140
    Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $70,110
    Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $66,920

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mechanical Engineers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Illinois is $40.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $60.39 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Mechanical Engineers salaries?

    The median Mechanical Engineers salary in Northwest Illinois is 18.4% below the national median of $102,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Mechanical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $58,320 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $72,790.