Chicago vs DeKalb: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and DeKalb, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | DeKalb, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,663▲ | $101,675 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.57▲ | $48.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,458▲ | $69,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,690▲ | $81,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,233▲ | $124,243 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,945▲ | $155,343 |
| Total Employed | 4,290▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between Chicago and DeKalb is $15,988 (15.72%). 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,DeKalb spans $85,586. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($113,580 effective) pays 8.47% more than DeKalb ($104,712 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$96,030 (2019) → $113,520 (2025)
DeKalb, IL
$107,453 (2024) → $98,095 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
DeKalb, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Chicago or DeKalb?
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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