Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Streamwood, IL: $68,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Streamwood, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,184 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Streamwood's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,220 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,994) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating with an electrical engineering degree can lead new professionals to an entry level electrical engineer salary in Streamwood of around $68,184 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $100,994, it reflects the entry point for recent graduates starting their careers. During the initial 3-5 years, a clear upward trajectory is expected, with many moving toward $79,705 as they gain experience, ultimately working their way up to the median level. For new grads, Streamwood presently offers a competitive environment, encouraging them to gain essential work experience and network within local industries to enhance their career opportunities.
About the Streamwood Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Streamwood
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 Streamwood
Entry-level electrical engineers in Streamwood, IL typically start between $68,184 and $79,705 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,568 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,994 — 19.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 117.33% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($68,184/year) in Streamwood. 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 Streamwood
- 1Research the Streamwood market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $68,184 to $79,705, 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 Streamwood, 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 Streamwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Streamwood'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 Streamwood is $84,568 ( 124.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,184, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,156
2025 BLS Actual
$65,783
2026 Current Est.
$68,184
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Streamwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,651 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,783 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,673 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Streamwood, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,156 in 2019 to $65,783 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,673. New graduates entering the Streamwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Streamwood 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 Streamwood
In Streamwood, major employers looking for entry-level electrical engineers include reputable companies in the semiconductor sector, like Apple and Nvidia, which prioritize candidates with advanced degrees and robust training programs. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman often target recent graduates through internship pipelines, specifically seeking individuals eligible for security clearances. On the utility and consulting side, organizations typically enlist bachelor’s degree holders through structured engineer training programs, emphasizing the importance of obtaining an EIT credential as a stepping stone for career advancement. Fostering ongoing education can significantly elevate starting salaries, particularly for those who pursue a PE license or additional credentials through IEEE membership. Entry-level engineers can expect realistic salary growth as they move from hands-on project roles into specialized positions, particularly in high-demand areas like chip design. Emphasizing continued professional development during the first years can allow individuals to navigate toward lucrative opportunities, especially as industries evolve and the demand for skilled engineers increases.
More salary data for Streamwood, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Streamwood in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Streamwood?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Streamwood?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Streamwood?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Streamwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Streamwood 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