Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $48.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Galesburg, IL runs $48.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,232 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected at $48.19 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $60.11. This discrepancy suggests that engineers in Galesburg may face challenges when seeking competitive compensation compared to their national counterparts. For part-time workers, with a typical schedule of three days per week and around 24 hours of work, this hourly rate translates to a gross weekly earnings of approximately $1,155. The hourly pay range for electrical engineers in the area runs from about $31.94 for entry-level roles to $72.31 for top earners. These positions can be found in various settings, including technology companies, defense contractors, and utility firms, where tasks may require in-depth engagement with specialized equipment like oscilloscopes or working in secure environments such as SCIFs.
About the Galesburg 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) | $31.94 | $255.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.59 | $300.75 |
| Median (P50) | $48.19 | $385.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.93 | $487.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.31 | $578.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $48.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.19/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,824. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,927.48 | $8,352 | $100,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,156.49 | $5,011 | $60,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.99 | $3,341 | $40,091 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Galesburg) | $48.19 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $100,232 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.84% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $105,618.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.19/hr = $60,137/year (purchasing power: $61,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,229/year (purchasing power: $103,222).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Galesburg grew 22.4% from $37.97/hr (2019) to $46.49/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.95/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
Examining the earning potential of part-time electrical engineers reveals a critical financial picture, particularly in a market with lower pay rates. While working 24 hours per week yields an estimated annual income around $59,800, full-time hours significantly raise earning potential. Per-diem electrical engineer pay in Galesburg often ranges from $90 to $170 per hour for standard contract work, and roles requiring security clearance can command between $150 and $280 per hour. Specialized consultants in semiconductor design may achieve rates as high as $400 hourly. Electrical engineers need to be strategic regarding their employment choices: tech companies like Intel and Nvidia offer substantial rewards, albeit with fewer benefits compared to traditional roles in utility or defense sectors, where stability and health insurance might be prioritized. Negotiating effectively for hourly rates in Galesburg involves demonstrating industry knowledge and understanding the value of specialized skills, especially in fields showing growth, like automotive and semiconductor engineering.
More salary data for Galesburg, 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 Galesburg. 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 Galesburg 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