Chicago vs Aurora: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,663▲ | $104,339 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.57▲ | $50.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,458▲ | $65,732 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,690▲ | $77,088 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,233▲ | $132,949 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,945▲ | $160,700 |
| Total Employed | 4,290▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $13,324 (12.77%). Chicago's median is -5.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $92,487,Aurora spans $94,968. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($113,580 effective) pays 5.70% more than Aurora ($107,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,663/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,945)
- ✓Larger job market (4,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,580)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Chicago grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$96,030 (2019) → $113,520 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$110,269 (2024) → $100,665 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Chicago or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Aurora as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov