Mechanical Engineer Salary in Algonquin, IL: $100,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Algonquin, IL earns a median $100,376/year (≈ $48.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Algonquin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,374 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Algonquin, Illinois can anticipate a median annual salary of $100,376, which reflects the competitive local market against notable sectors like aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. With salaries ranging from $69,430 at the lower end (P10) to $155,582 at the upper P90 tier, the data indicates a vibrant salary structure influenced heavily by industry specialization. The aerospace sector, particularly with firms like SpaceX and Boeing, tends to offer higher compensation compared to the automotive giants such as Tesla and those in HVAC. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, indicating that while Algonquin's salaries may trail slightly behind the national median of $107,150, they still reflect a robust local economy.
About the Algonquin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,430 | $33.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,984 | $40.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,376 | $48.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,976 | $61.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,582 | $74.80 |
Median Salary Position
6.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Algonquin
In Algonquin, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,152 (2026 est.). At $100,376, the local median is 6.32% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Algonquin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Algonquin Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Algonquin median: $100,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Algonquin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,480 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.32% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Algonquin, IL earn a median of $100,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.32% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $103,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Algonquin has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Algonquin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $100,376 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,374 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,839
2025 BLS Actual
$97,528
2026 Current Est.
$100,376
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Algonquin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,219 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Algonquin metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $82,839 (2019) to $97,528 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,468 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Algonquin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,430 – $84,984 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,984 – $100,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,376 – $127,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,976 – $155,582 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Algonquin
The employment landscape for mechanical engineers in Algonquin is relatively modest, with around five professionals currently employed in this field. Given the local cost-of-living index of 97.1—slightly below the national average—engineers may find their purchasing power to be more favorable than it initially seems. Companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors typically dominate higher pay scales, with firms like Tesla and Boeing known for offering competitive compensation packages. The variance in pay within Algonquin can be attributed to factors such as industry demand, the necessity for specialized skills like a PE license in HVAC, and potential security clearance for defense-related roles. For those looking to maximize earnings, gaining credentials like a PE license or pursuing positions within high-growth industries like aerospace, as well as considering the management track, can present significant opportunities for advancement.
More salary data for Algonquin, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,528 for mechanical engineersin the Algonquin metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Algonquin 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