EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$81,544/yr
Typical range: $79,298 – $95,165
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Mechanical Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $81,544 | $6,795 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,017 | $8,251 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $110,666 | $9,222 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,344 | $10,445 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $160,758 | $13,397 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $188,715 | $15,726 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $195,705 | $16,309 | +140% |
Current Salary
$81,544
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$99,017
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Mechanical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Mechanical Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Mechanical Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $143K–$171K/yr.