Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$105,000
▲ 2.6% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$60,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$80,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$105,000
50th Pct.
Median
$140,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$175,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Mechanical Engineer roles in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Chicago?+
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $105,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $80,000 and $140,000.
What is the entry-level Mechanical Engineer salary in Chicago?+
Entry-level Mechanical Engineer positions in Chicago typically start around $80,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $105,000.
What do senior Mechanical Engineers earn in Chicago?+
Senior Mechanical Engineers in Chicago earn $140,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $175,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Mechanical Engineer market changed in Chicago?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Mechanical Engineers in Chicago stands at 2.6% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Mechanical Engineer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $105,000 | $140,000 | $185,000 | +2.6% |
| New York, NY | $95,000 | $130,000 | $175,000 | +2.6% |
| Seattle, WA | $90,000 | $125,000 | $160,000 | +2.6% |
| Boston, MA | $85,000 | $120,000 | $155,000 | +2.6% |
| Austin, TX | $75,000 | $105,000 | $135,000 | +2.6% |
| Denver, CO | $75,000 | $105,000 | $135,000 | +2.6% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 | +2.6% |
| Washington DC, DC | $90,000 | $120,000 | $155,000 | +2.6% |
Chicago — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
| Data Analyst | $65,000 | $90,000 | $115,000 |
| Data Scientist | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |
| Product Manager | $100,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | $100,000 | $135,000 | $175,000 |
| UX Designer | $75,000 | $100,000 | $130,000 |