Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $65,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,443 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,398 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,148) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for new graduates entering the field of electrical engineering in Des Plaines, Illinois, reveal both promising potential and realistic expectations for 2026. The starting electrical engineer salary in Des Plaines is projected to be around $65,443, which, while lower than the overall city median of $102,148, lays a solid foundation for career growth. Within just a few years, entry-level engineers can anticipate increases in their pay, with projected earnings reaching approximately $76,073 as they progress into their careers. This positive trajectory suggests that Des Plaines offers reasonable opportunities for fresh graduates navigating the initial stages of their professional journey, particularly in a market that is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.65%.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Entry-level electrical engineers in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $65,443 and $76,073 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,553 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,148 — 18.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 122.24% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,443/year) in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,443 to $76,073, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is $88,553 ( 135.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,443, experienced hygienists can earn up to $153,996.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,979
2025 BLS Actual
$63,138
2026 Current Est.
$65,443
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,979 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,504 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,175 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,831 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,979 in 2019 to $63,138 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,831. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
In terms of employment opportunities, several prominent employers in Des Plaines actively seek new graduates in electrical engineering. Companies like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel are on the lookout for entry-level talent, especially in the semiconductor sector, which tends to offer the most lucrative pay. Additionally, defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman engage recent grads through structured internship pathways, often requiring security clearance, which can result in higher earnings. To enhance their starting electrical engineer pay in IL, candidates should focus on obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and gaining relevant experience that could pave the way for a PE license. Moreover, those interested in chip design or advanced research might consider pursuing an advanced degree. Within the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations suggest that engineers can climb the pay scale, particularly if they engage with high-demand sectors, but they should also consider the stability offered by utility roles, which, despite lower initial compensation, provide long-term benefits.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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