Illinois ranks 27th of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $41,760 — a 42% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $67,200 to $143,500 — a $76,300 spread, 18% tighter than the national $92,500 range.
Illinois employs roughly 3.5% of all mechanical engineers in the country (9,920 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $67,200 | $32.31 |
| 25th percentile | $80,690 | $38.79 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $99,730 | $47.95 |
| 75th percentile | $124,490 | $59.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $143,500 | $68.99 |
| Mean (average) | $104,460 | $50.22 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $99,730 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +42% |
| District of Columbia | $130,000 | +30% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +30% |
| California | $126,370 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | +23% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | +17% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | +16% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | +14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Examiners | $99,680 | 2,970 |
| Industrial Engineers | $99,990 | 16,590 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,270 | 7,770 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $100,300 | 6,800 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $100,310 | 11,440 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $100,360 | 19,690 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Illinois?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in Illinois is $104,460 per year. The median (middle) salary is $99,730 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Illinois?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $67,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $80,690 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $143,500 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $124,490 per year.
How does the Illinois Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in Illinois is $99,730, which is -3% below national average of $102,320.