Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Quincy, IL: $69,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,940 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,376) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the mechanical engineering field in Quincy, Illinois, can expect a starting salary of around $69,854 in 2026. For new engineers, this figure represents an initial step into a promising career, especially when compared to the city's median annual salary of $100,376. This gap highlights a common trajectory where young professionals may experience salary increases as they gain experience; moving from the entry-level pay towards the 25th percentile at $82,754 within a few years is plausible. With an expected growth rate of 2.92% annually, Quincy appears to be a reasonably favorable market for newcomers, offering a conducive environment for young engineers to develop their skills while gradually increasing their earning potential.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Quincy, IL typically start between $69,854 and $82,754 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,728 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,376 — 6.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average mechanical engineering program cost in Illinois of $78,000 represents just 111.66% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($69,854/year) in Quincy. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate mechanical engineering programs. Many employers value or require the FE exam early in career, with PE typical for specific industries (consulting, manufacturing safety).
ME, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $69,854 to $82,754, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the mechanical engineering field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Mechanical Engineer Compensation Range
The mechanical engineer wage spread in Quincy is $85,728 ( 122.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,582.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,406
2025 BLS Actual
$67,872
2026 Current Est.
$69,854
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,406 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,894 | Projected |
Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 29.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,406 in 2019 to $67,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,894. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your mechanical engineering Career in Quincy
Employers in Quincy that frequently seek entry-level mechanical engineers include automotive giants like Tesla, GM, Ford, and Toyota, which offer structured rotational programs for recent graduates. The aerospace sector, represented by companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, also recruits new engineers through internship pipelines requiring security clearance, especially attractive for those looking to enter a high-paying defense field. Continuing education plays a critical role in career advancement and salary growth; obtaining an EIT designation by passing the FE exam in the final year of college can set new graduates on a path to achieve their PE license, opening doors to higher responsibilities and pay. In particular, specialties related to HVAC and building systems are in constant demand, providing solid career pathways in Quincy. Meanwhile, consumer technology firms like Apple also stand out for offering competitive compensation packages, reinforcing the importance of credentials from an ABET-accredited program. As you navigate these first few years, setting realistic salary growth expectations based on industry trends in Quincy is essential, keeping in mind the dynamic nature of compensation being influenced by both regional and national markets.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new mechanical engineering graduates. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov