Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $65,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Elmhurst, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,805 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elmhurst's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,953) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Elmhurst, Illinois, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $65,805 in 2026. When compared to the city's median annual salary of $99,953, there exists a significant gap that emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in the initial years. Over the first three to five years, engineers may see their earnings increase as they progress from the entry-level P10 figure through the P25 benchmark of $77,645, ultimately moving closer to the median. Given Elmhurst's competitive job market and the city's relative cost of living index at 97.1, this starting pay aligns well with local economic conditions, encouraging new graduates to consider opportunities here despite the lower-than-national average salary rates.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elmhurst
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 Elmhurst
Entry-level electrical engineers in Elmhurst, IL typically start between $65,805 and $77,645 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,112 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,953 — 20.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 121.57% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,805/year) in Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst
- 1Research the Elmhurst market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,805 to $77,645, 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elmhurst'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 Elmhurst is $80,112 ( 121.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,805, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,917.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,267
2025 BLS Actual
$63,488
2026 Current Est.
$65,805
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,488 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,207 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Elmhurst, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,267 in 2019 to $63,488 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,207. New graduates entering the Elmhurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, several prominent employers seek to hire recent graduates with degrees in electrical engineering. Major players like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel often recruit through facilitated programs targeted at master's and PhD candidates, offering structured entry pathways and lucrative rewards such as restricted stock units (RSUs). Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are known for providing opportunities in cleared positions that require security clearance, while utilities may focus on recruiting Bachelor of Science graduates for roles in power systems, which offer stability albeit at lower pay scales. To enhance starting salaries in Illinois, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and eventually pursuing a PE license can yield significant financial benefits over time. As entry-level positions evolve, electrical engineers can strategize their career development while considering their industry preferences, with potential salary increases influenced heavily by transitioning into high-demand sectors like semiconductors or defense within the first few years of their career.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Elmhurst in 2026?
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Is electrical engineering school worth it in Elmhurst?
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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 Elmhurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elmhurst 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