Electrical Engineer Salary in Oak Park, IL: $104,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Oak Park, IL earns a median $104,893/year (≈ $50.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $108,026 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Oak Park is projected to be $104,893 annually, positioning local engineers around 16.11% lower than the national median of $125,033. The compensation packages reflect a salary range from $63,213 at the 10th percentile to $156,976 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional pricing, highlighting the local market's unique conditions. Given the presence of only ten electrical engineers in the area, the competitive job landscape may create opportunities for those looking to secure positions with higher-paying employers, particularly in technology and defense sectors, where security clearances may boost earnings.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,213 | $30.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,715 | $40.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,893 | $50.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,491 | $63.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,976 | $75.47 |
Median Salary Position
16.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,763 (2026 est.). At $104,893, the local median is 16.11% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Park Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $104,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $105,632 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -16.11% less |
Electrical Engineers in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $104,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.11% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $105,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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.
Oak Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $104,893 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,026 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,659
2025 BLS Actual
$101,199
2026 Current Est.
$104,893
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,659 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,588 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,677 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,723 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $82,659 (2019) to $101,199 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,062 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $63,213 – $83,715 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,715 – $104,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,893 – $131,491 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,491 – $156,976 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Oak Park
In considering the job market's strength, Oak Park’s cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating a slightly lower than average cost of living compared to national figures. This aspect enhances the purchasing power of the estimated salaries in the area. Notable employers such as Tesla, Intel, and various defense contractors potentially drive higher salaries, especially in roles requiring security clearances. The disparity in electrical engineer pay in Oak Park IL can largely be attributed to industry-specific demand, where semiconductor and tech design positions typically offer the highest compensation. Strategies for maximizing earnings in Oak Park may include targeting firms that provide significant equity or RSUs, pursuing advanced degrees to qualify for higher roles, or navigating the management versus individual contributor pathways effectively.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 $101,199 for electrical engineersin the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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