Mechanical Engineer Salary in Waukegan, IL: $103,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Waukegan, IL earns a median $103,584/year (≈ $49.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $106,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Waukegan, IL can expect a median annual salary of $103,584, slightly below the national median of $107,150. The salary range for this profession is quite diverse, starting at $71,766 for the lower 10th percentile and extending up to $160,555 for the top 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, alongside regional price adjustments. Given the presence of renowned employers like Tesla and SpaceX in the surrounding areas, the local job market for mechanical engineers showcases competitive compensation that may be influenced by the prominence of equity and profit-sharing options in their total rewards packages.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,766 | $34.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,542 | $39.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,584 | $49.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,527 | $63.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,555 | $77.19 |
Median Salary Position
3.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,789 (2026 est.). At $103,584, the local median is 3.33% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $103,584/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $103,480 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -3.33% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $103,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $103,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $103,584 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,678 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,487
2025 BLS Actual
$100,645
2026 Current Est.
$103,584
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,487 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,198 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,608 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $85,487 (2019) to $100,645 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,608 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,121 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $71,766 – $81,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,542 – $103,584 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,584 – $131,527 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,527 – $160,555 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Waukegan
With only 18 mechanical engineers currently employed in Waukegan, the local job market remains concentrated, contributing to both opportunities and competition. The cost-of-living index sits at 97.1, indicating a slightly lower living expense compared to national averages, which can enhance take-home purchasing power, especially for high earners in the field. Employers in Waukegan across the automotive sector, particularly Tesla and Rivian, tend to offer attractive salaries that often include equity components. Additionally, firms in aerospace and defense, like SpaceX, can provide higher compensation due to the demand for security clearances and specialized skills. To enhance earning potential, mechanical engineers should consider pursuing a PE license for roles in HVAC and building systems, where industry stability aligns with career advancement. Additionally, targeting positions in high-compensation sectors and developing expertise in areas such as engineering management can significantly elevate mechanical engineer pay in Waukegan, IL.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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 $100,645 for mechanical engineersin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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