EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechatronics Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,633/yr
Typical range: $144,259 – $173,125
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechatronics Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Mechatronics 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $82,495 | $6,875 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $100,173 | $8,348 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,958 | $9,330 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,807 | $10,567 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,633 | $13,553 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $190,917 | $15,910 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $197,988 | $16,499 | +140% |
Current Salary
$162,633
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$190,917
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
57/100
Moderate
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechatronics Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Mechatronics Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechatronics Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechatronics Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechatronics Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $144K–$173K/yr.