Mechanical Engineer Salary in Northbrook, IL: $102,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Northbrook, IL earns a median $102,022/year (≈ $49.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $105,069 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Northbrook, Illinois can anticipate a median annual salary of $102,022, slightly below the national average of $107,150. The salary range for these professionals is projected to be between $73,651 at the 10th percentile and $155,650 at the 90th percentile. This estimate reflects local compensation adjusted for regional cost considerations, influenced significantly by Northbrook's strategic position in the aerospace and automotive sectors. As major firms like SpaceX, Boeing, and Tesla shape industry standards, Northbrook's job market continues to adapt, offering competitive compensation across various applications of mechanical engineering.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,651 | $35.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,201 | $39.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,022 | $49.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,299 | $61.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,650 | $74.83 |
Median Salary Position
4.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,999 (2026 est.). At $102,022, the local median is 4.79% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $102,022/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,470 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -4.79% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $102,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $103,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $102,022 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,069 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,197
2025 BLS Actual
$99,127
2026 Current Est.
$102,022
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,689 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $84,197 (2019) to $99,127 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,804 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $73,651 – $82,201 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,201 – $102,022 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,022 – $128,299 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,299 – $155,650 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Northbrook
Local employment levels reveal that only eight mechanical engineers are currently practicing in Northbrook, reflecting a focused job market with few opportunities yet consistent demand. The area's cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that living expenses are relatively lower than the national average. This lower cost can enhance take-home pay for engineers working within these sectors, especially those engaged with high-paying employers such as Boeing and Tesla. The pay disparity seen here often stems from industry stressors—meanwhile, engineers in sectors like HVAC or consumer products may not benefit from the same financial advantages. Professionals looking to maximize their earnings may consider pursuing PE licensure, which can add significant value, particularly in fields where certifications bolster career advancement. Understanding the key employers and industry dynamics in Northbrook is essential for making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $99,127 for mechanical engineersin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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