Mechanical Engineer Salary in Galesburg, IL: $98,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Galesburg, IL earns a median $98,120/year (≈ $47.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $101,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For mechanical engineers in Galesburg, IL, achieving a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance earning potential, especially within the HVAC and building systems sector. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to reach $98,120, with a salary range spanning from $72,738 at the 10th percentile to $152,057 at the 90th percentile. These figures are reflective of local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. While this median figure may be slightly below the national median of $107,150—indicating an 8.43% comparative disparity—it aligns with the unique job market characteristics of Galesburg, where specialized skills and licenses can escalate earning opportunities.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,738 | $34.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,387 | $38.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,120 | $47.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,608 | $59.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,057 | $73.10 |
Median Salary Position
8.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,319 (2026 est.). At $98,120, the local median is 8.43% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $98,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,393 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -8.43% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $98,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.43% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $103,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg 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.
Galesburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $98,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,050 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,977
2025 BLS Actual
$95,336
2026 Current Est.
$98,120
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,977 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,953 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $80,977 (2019) to $95,336 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,008 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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) | $72,738 – $80,387 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,387 – $98,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,120 – $124,608 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,608 – $152,057 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Galesburg
Despite the relatively modest employment pool of four mechanical engineers in the Galesburg area, the cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that salaries may stretch further than they would in higher-cost urban settings. Employers in Galesburg typically found among sectors such as heavy equipment and HVAC offer competitive pay, but opportunities with firms like Caterpillar and GE are notable for their potential to attract top-tier talent. The stark difference in compensation—especially between aerospace positions affiliated with companies like SpaceX and defense industries requiring security clearance versus more traditional automotive roles—illustrates market dynamics at play. Mechanical engineers aspiring to maximize their pay should focus on attaining a PE license, considering career paths that prioritize high-growth industries like aerospace and specialized HVAC roles, as well as exploring management tracks that often yield enhanced compensation packages.
More salary data for Galesburg, 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 $95,336 for mechanical engineersin the Galesburg 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 Galesburg 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