Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $102,680 | $107,639 | -5% |
| Median hourly wage | $49.37 | $51.75 | -5% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $102,680.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $104,486 | $73,500 | $136,500 | 107 |
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Illinois is $102,680, or about $49.37 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Mechanical Engineers is $107,639. Illinois is -5% below the national median.
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Illinois typically earn from $73,500 depending on the city and employer.
With 11,790 mechanical engineer jobs on record and a median salary of $102,680, Illinois offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.