Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Mount Prospect, IL: $50.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Mount Prospect, IL runs $50.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Mount Prospect's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Mount Prospect, Illinois, the electrical engineer hourly pay averages $50.78, which lags behind the national median of $60.11. This hourly rate offers a substantial income for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially in settings such as high-tech hardware labs, semiconductor clean rooms, and various defense contractor environments. The hourly range for electrical engineers in this locality varies significantly, from an entry-level rate of $31.16 to top earners making $76.56. These figures illustrate the potential for specialization and advancement within the field, where practical experience and qualifications—such as FE or PE licensing—can greatly influence pay. The hourly earnings are generally derived from the projected annual salary data, making them indicative of both current market dynamics and the increasing demand for skilled engineers in Mount Prospect.
About the Mount Prospect 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) | $31.16 | $249.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.89 | $303.16 |
| Median (P50) | $50.78 | $406.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.15 | $513.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.56 | $612.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Prospect
Based on $50.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.78/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Prospect, IL can expect to earn approximately $105,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,934. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Prospect.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Prospect
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,031.13 | $8,802 | $105,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,218.68 | $5,281 | $63,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.45 | $3,521 | $42,247 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Mount Prospect) | $50.78 |
| 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 Mount Prospect, IL earn a median of $105,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.53% lower than the national median of $125,033.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.78/hr = $63,371/year (purchasing power: $65,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,619/year (purchasing power: $108,773).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Mount Prospect (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Mount Prospect grew 22.4% from $40.01/hr (2019) to $48.99/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.63/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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect
For part-time electrical engineers working three days a week, the annual take-home can vary considerably compared to those working full-time. Generally, a 24-hour workweek translates to around $39,878 annually versus a full-time annual salary that exceeds $100,000 when adjusted for full hours. Per diem rates for electrical engineers often reflect specialized skills, with billing commonly ranging from $90 to $170 per hour. For those with security clearances or niche competencies within the semiconductor sector, rates can escalate to $150-$280 or even higher, particularly for expert witness roles in litigation valued at up to $600 per hour. Notably, electricians employed by government contractors may benefit from additional job stability and pension plans, albeit at a lower hourly pay than those in tech. Negotiating one's hourly rate effectively may require showing evidence of specialized training or certifications, and understanding the varying pay scales between sectors like defense, utilities, and technology can provide substantial leverage when discussing compensation in Mount Prospect.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect. 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 Mount Prospect 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