Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Berwyn, IL: $62,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Berwyn, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Berwyn's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,002 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,408) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level electrical engineer salary in Berwyn, Illinois, shows promising figures for recent graduates entering the job market. Starting at a projected $62,146, new grads can expect to earn significantly less than the city’s median salary of $104,408. However, as they gain experience, many can anticipate a growth trajectory from this starting point through the first few years, reaching an estimated $82,747 at the 25th percentile and potentially moving closer to the median in the long term. Given Berwyn's comparative affordability, with a cost of living index at 97.1, the local market for entry-level engineers presents a reasonable opportunity for new graduates to build their careers and gain valuable experience in a supportive environment.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Berwyn
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
Entry-level electrical engineers in Berwyn, IL typically start between $62,146 and $82,747 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,134 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,408 — 16.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 128.73% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($62,146/year) in Berwyn. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Berwyn
- 1Research the Berwyn market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $62,146 to $82,747, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Berwyn, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Berwyn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Berwyn's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Berwyn is $93,134 ( 149.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,280.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,361
2025 BLS Actual
$59,958
2026 Current Est.
$62,146
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,287 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,295 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,415 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Berwyn, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,361 in 2019 to $59,958 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,415. New graduates entering the Berwyn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Berwyn
Employers in Berwyn that typically hire for entry-level electrical engineering roles include semiconductor giants like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, which are known for recruiting top-tier graduates from prestigious programs. These companies often offer structured training and competitive salaries, especially for those who advance to roles involving chip design. Similarly, defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop are prime targets for candidates with security clearance, while utilities seek out BS-level EITs for their power systems training programs. Pursuing additional credentials such as a Professional Engineer license and participating in IEEE activities can enhance an engineer's marketability and earning potential. While starting positions may not reflect the highest salaries in the industry, opportunities in semiconductor design or defense contracting can significantly elevate new grad electrical engineer pay in IL, particularly as they grow their expertise and navigate their professional trajectory during the first few years.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Berwyn in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Berwyn?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Berwyn?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Berwyn?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Berwyn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berwyn 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 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov