Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $48.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $48.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,075 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, Illinois, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is estimated to be $48.94, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This figure offers insight into the pay landscape for mechanical engineers working part-time or on a per-diem basis, often found in environments such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. For instance, a mechanical engineer who works three days a week could expect to earn around $37,392 annually, translating the median hourly wage into practical terms. Hourly earnings for mechanical engineers in Arlington Heights can range from approximately $36.44 for entry-level positions to as high as $75.85 for those who are among the top earners, indicating a healthy upward mobility in the sector as professionals gain experience and specialized skills.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.44 | $291.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.43 | $323.42 |
| Median (P50) | $48.94 | $391.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.64 | $501.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.85 | $606.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $48.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.94/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,726. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,957.54 | $8,483 | $101,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,174.52 | $5,090 | $61,075 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.02 | $3,393 | $40,717 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Arlington Heights) | $48.94 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $101,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.00% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $103,445.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.94/hr = $61,075/year (purchasing power: $62,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,792/year (purchasing power: $104,832).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Arlington Heights grew 17.7% from $40.39/hr (2019) to $47.55/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.37/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Arlington Heights
When considering per-diem opportunities, the earning potential for mechanical engineers in Arlington Heights shifts dramatically. Freelance or contract engineers can bill anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour, and those with specialized skills in HVAC may command rates between $100 and $180 per hour. Furthermore, contract engineers in the aerospace sector frequently find hourly rates ranging from $120 to $220, especially in security-cleared roles. This contract work offers flexibility but often lacks the benefits associated with traditional employment. Understanding how hourly rates vary among different employers—like automotive giants such as Tesla and Rivian, and aerospace firms like Boeing and Lockheed Martin—can help mechanical engineers navigate their careers. For many, the choice comes down to a trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher rates without. Negotiation strategies in Arlington Heights might include emphasizing specific skills or experience, which can lead to better compensation packages in a competitive hiring environment.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Arlington Heights. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights 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