Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $49.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Gurnee, IL runs $49.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,933 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,165 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $49.01, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the profession within various engineering sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and HVAC industries. For engineers working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, this hourly wage translates into an annual income that can still maintain a comfortable lifestyle, though it varies based on workload and project involvement. The range of hourly pay for mechanical engineers in Gurnee varies significantly from $35.36 at the entry level to as high as $73.07 for top earners, indicating opportunities for career progression and expertise development, especially within roles that require proficiency in CAD tools like SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA for diverse applications across engineering fields.
About the Gurnee 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) | $35.36 | $282.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.43 | $315.43 |
| Median (P50) | $49.01 | $392.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.49 | $483.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.07 | $584.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $49.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.01/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,813. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.42 | $8,495 | $101,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.25 | $5,097 | $61,165 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.17 | $3,398 | $40,777 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Gurnee) | $49.01 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $101,933 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.87% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $103,485.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.01/hr = $61,165/year (purchasing power: $62,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,942/year (purchasing power: $104,986).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Gurnee grew 17.7% from $40.45/hr (2019) to $47.62/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.44/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
When considering part-time opportunities, a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $61,200 annually. However, the per diem mechanical engineer pay in Gurnee can significantly alter financial prospects; contract workers may bill hourly rates ranging from $90 to $220, depending on their specialization, with expert witness roles commanding between $300 and $500 per hour. Different employers across the Gurnee region, such as automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian or aerospace firms like Boeing and SpaceX, often have varying compensation structures that influence hourly rates. While some engineers might prefer the stability that comes with full-time employment and health benefits, others may opt for higher contract rates without benefits. Negotiating hourly contracts involves understanding the market demand for specific skills, especially in emerging fields like electric vehicles and aerospace, where specialized knowledge can drive up pay significantly.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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