Mechanical Engineer Salary in Lombard, IL: $100,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Lombard, IL earns a median $100,223/year (≈ $48.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,216 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Lombard, Illinois, are projected to earn a median salary of $100,223, slightly below the national median of $107,150. This figure reflects the diverse industries present in the area, particularly aerospace firms like SpaceX and Boeing, compared to automotive giants such as Tesla and legacy companies in Detroit. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from $69,497 at the P10 level to $155,346 at the P90 level, illustrating the potential income disparity based on industry, experience, and job responsibilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight a competitive environment for mechanical engineers, especially for those specializing in aerospace and electric vehicle sectors, which continue to reshape earning potentials.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,497 | $33.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,669 | $40.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,223 | $48.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,601 | $61.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,346 | $74.69 |
Median Salary Position
6.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,849 (2026 est.). At $100,223, the local median is 6.46% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Lombard median: $100,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,430 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.46% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Lombard, IL earn a median of $100,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.46% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $103,430.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $100,223 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,216 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,714
2025 BLS Actual
$97,380
2026 Current Est.
$100,223
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,714 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $82,714 (2019) to $97,380 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,436 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $69,497 – $84,669 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,669 – $100,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,223 – $127,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,601 – $155,346 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Lombard
With only eight mechanical engineers employed in Lombard, the job market is relatively small, yet it offers solid compensation given the area’s cost of living index of 97.1, indicating a lower-than-average expense compared to the national average. The highest-paying positions are often found at aerospace and defense firms, where candidates with relevant security clearances can command premiums. Conversely, engineers in automotive industries may find their pay less competitive than those in aerospace due to the evolving pay structures at companies like Tesla and Rivian compared to traditional automotive employers. Understanding the drivers of wage variance, such as the importance of industries, the PE licensure pathway, and the balance between individual contributor and management roles, is essential for engineers in Lombard seeking to maximize their pay. Focusing on obtaining industry-specific skills, pursuing within sectors with high demand, and networking with local employers can enhance opportunities in this locality.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $97,380 for mechanical engineersin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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