Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $48.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Elmhurst, IL runs $48.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,953 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,969 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, electrical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.05, which is notably below the national median of $60.11. This pay level impacts part-time and per-diem workers significantly, especially in settings like semiconductor fabrication clean rooms or tech company labs equipped with oscilloscopes and soldering benches. For those in roles that allow for flexible arrangements, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into varied experiences. Engineers at the entry-level might make around $31.63 per hour, while seasoned professionals can see rates climbing to $70.15 per hour, illustrating a broad spectrum of potential earnings. It's essential to keep in mind that these hourly estimates derive from the annual salary data, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in local engineering sectors.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.63 | $253.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.32 | $298.59 |
| Median (P50) | $48.05 | $384.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.57 | $476.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.15 | $561.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $48.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.05/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,663. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,922.09 | $8,329 | $99,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,153.25 | $4,997 | $59,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $768.83 | $3,332 | $39,979 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Elmhurst) | $48.05 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $99,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.06% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $105,658.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.05/hr = $59,969/year (purchasing power: $61,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,948/year (purchasing power: $102,934).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Elmhurst grew 22.4% from $37.87/hr (2019) to $46.36/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Elmhurst
Electrical engineers looking at part-time positions in Elmhurst can expect different financial implications than those pursuing full-time work. For instance, an engineer working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $50,404 annually compared to their full-time counterparts earning $99,953 annually. With the rise of contract work, many find themselves in the per-diem space, where billing can range from $90 to even $400 per hour depending on specialty and security clearance. For example, defense contractors often command higher rates due to stringent clearance requirements, while those engaged in semiconductor roles can also see a premium in their pay. However, engineers must weigh the benefits of stability and healthcare offerings from traditional employers against the lucrative hourly pay of independent contracting without health coverage. Networking within sectors and utilizing platforms tailored for engineering jobs can enhance negotiation leverage, leading to more favorable contracts in this competitive and varied job market in Elmhurst.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Elmhurst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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