Electrical Engineer Salary in Elgin, IL: $116,614 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Elgin, IL earns a median $116,614/year (≈ $56.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $120,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Elgin, IL, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $116,614, which reflects a local compensation landscape slightly below the national average of $125,033. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $75,441 at the 10th percentile to $180,751 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential depending on experience and industry specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional living costs to provide a clear picture of local pay dynamics. Electrical engineers considering career paths in Elgin have options between individual contributor (IC) roles and management tracks, each offering different compensation trajectories as they advance in their careers.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,441 | $36.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,007 | $42.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,614 | $56.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,265 | $71.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,751 | $86.90 |
Median Salary Position
6.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,310 (2026 est.). At $116,614, the local median is 6.73% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Elgin median: $116,614/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $105,628 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | -6.73% less |
Electrical Engineers in Elgin, IL earn a median of $116,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 10.40% above the Illinois state average of $105,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $116,614 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $120,097 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,895
2025 BLS Actual
$112,507
2026 Current Est.
$116,614
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,748 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,614 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,870 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $91,895 (2019) to $112,507 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,870 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,975 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,441 – $88,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,007 – $116,614 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,614 – $149,265 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,265 – $180,751 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Elgin
In terms of job market conditions, Elgin has approximately 16 electrical engineers currently employed, which outlines a niche sector that could benefit from workforce fluctuations and demand. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, the purchasing power for electrical engineers in Elgin, IL, is somewhat favorable compared to many other regions, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the higher costs observed in major metropolitan areas. Employers within the semiconductor industry, such as Intel and Nvidia, offer some of the highest salaries in the area, largely due to the need for highly specialized skills and PhD-level education. In contrast, those in utility sectors may find lower salaries but can gain stability and pensions. To optimize their earnings, electrical engineers should consider pursuing roles with security clearances or advancing into management positions, as these factors can significantly influence overall compensation in the competitive Elgin market.
More salary data for Elgin, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $112,507 for electrical engineersin the Elgin metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elgin 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