Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how Electrical Engineers in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $94,000 | $71,400 | $122,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $116,800 | $88,700 | $151,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $134,300 | $102,000 | $174,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $161,100 | $122,400 | $209,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $182,600 | $138,700 | $237,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Electrical Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average Electrical Engineer salary in the Chicago metro is $134,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $102,000 to $174,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $221,500 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for Electrical Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for Electrical Engineers — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median Electrical Engineer salary of $134,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Electrical Engineers in Chicago start around $94,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $161,100 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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