Electrical Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 107.3
$109,010
Median Salary
$118,690
Mean Salary
$101,594
COL-Adjusted
4,340
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $76,070 | $70,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,510 | $81,556 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $109,010 | $101,594 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,880 | $130,363 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $168,580 | $157,111 |
What Drives the Range
The $92,510 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Electrical Engineer positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $109,010 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $101,594 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.