Mechanical Engineer Salary in Moline, IL: $109,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Moline, IL earns a median $109,269/year (≈ $52.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Moline's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $112,532 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, mechanical engineers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $109,269 in 2026, slightly higher than the national figure of $107,150. The salary range in the area varies significantly, from $78,696 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $163,299 at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. A noteworthy factor driving compensation in this field is the potential for a PE license, especially relevant for those specializing in HVAC and building systems, where the demand remains strong in Moline's job market.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,696 | $37.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,157 | $42.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,269 | $52.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,445 | $66.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,299 | $78.51 |
Median Salary Position
1.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
In Moline, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,603 (2026 est.). At $109,269, the local median is 1.98% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moline: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moline Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Moline median: $109,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,475 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +1.98% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Moline, IL earn a median of $109,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 5.60% above the Illinois state average of $103,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moline 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.
Moline, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $109,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,532 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,179
2025 BLS Actual
$106,169
2026 Current Est.
$109,269
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,215 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,478 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moline metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $90,179 (2019) to $106,169 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,281 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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) | $78,696 – $88,157 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,157 – $109,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,269 – $137,445 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,445 – $163,299 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Moline
The local landscape for mechanical engineers in Moline is defined by a modest employment level, with only 10 professionals working in the field. While the cost-of-living index sits at 97.1, indicating a lower-than-average expense for the region, this can enhance the purchasing power of engineers’ salaries. Major employers such as Caterpillar and John Deere, along with burgeoning automotive firms like Tesla and Rivian, offer competitive wages, particularly for those with specialized skills or security clearance in defense roles with companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The disparity in salaries often relates to industry focus: aerospace and high-tech roles command higher pay, amplified by equity compensation. For those seeking to maximize mechanical engineer pay in Moline, pursuing licensure, cultivating specialist skills, and targeting employment in high-demand industries can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Moline, 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 $106,169 for mechanical engineersin the Moline 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 Moline 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