Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Normal, IL: $63,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Normal, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,100 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Normal's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,985 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,441) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the electrical engineering field in Normal, Illinois, the anticipated starting salary is around $63,100 in 2026. This figure sits significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $102,441, highlighting the common gap faced by entry-level positions. Over the first few years, early-career professionals can expect to see modest increases, with the potential to reach $76,635 by the 25th percentile within their initial years on the job. As the market currently presents a decent opportunity for new graduates, those entering the workforce can find a supportive environment for growing their career, especially with a projected annual growth rate of 3.65% over the next five years.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Normal
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 Normal
Entry-level electrical engineers in Normal, IL typically start between $63,100 and $76,635 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,912 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,441 — 18.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 126.78% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($63,100/year) in Normal. 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 Normal
- 1Research the Normal market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $63,100 to $76,635, 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 Normal, 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 Normal for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Normal'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 Normal is $91,912 ( 145.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,100, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,012.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,118
2025 BLS Actual
$60,878
2026 Current Est.
$63,100
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,593 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,403 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Normal, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,118 in 2019 to $60,878 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,403. New graduates entering the Normal job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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 Normal
In Normal, several employers actively recruit new graduates for entry-level electrical engineering positions. Major players in the semiconductor industry, such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, often seek candidates with robust educational backgrounds and potential for growth, frequently preferring graduates equipped with a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program and having completed the FE exam. For those interested in defense sectors, companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman typically hire through well-structured internship pipelines requiring security clearances, which offer higher starting salaries. Career strategies for the initial years can focus on gaining relevant certifications that enhance earning potential, such as obtaining a PE license after sufficient supervised experience. While the semiconductor and defense industries command higher salaries, entry-level roles in utilities may lag in cash compensation but provide steadiness and benefits. Keeping an eye on ongoing learning and professional affiliations, like IEEE membership, can further enhance prospects and salary growth for new grads in the Illinois market.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is electrical engineering school worth it in Normal?
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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 Normal. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Normal 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