Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Waukegan, IL: $65,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Waukegan, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukegan's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,207 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,813) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, those beginning their careers as electrical engineers in 2026 can expect to see starting compensation around $65,258. While this figure serves as a baseline for new graduates, the median salary for electrical engineers in the area sits at $105,813, highlighting a significant salary gap as entry-level engineers gain experience over the first few years. By the end of this initial period, individuals may move towards a more comfortable earning bracket, with projections indicating a potential climb to about $79,219 as they transition to more established positions within the field. With its diverse opportunities, Waukegan presents a favorable market for recent graduates, particularly considering the area’s growing emphasis on technology and engineering roles.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukegan
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
Entry-level electrical engineers in Waukegan, IL typically start between $65,258 and $79,219 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,753 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,813 — 15.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Illinois of $80,000 represents just 122.59% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,258/year) in Waukegan. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Waukegan
- 1Research the Waukegan market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,258 to $79,219, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Waukegan, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Waukegan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukegan's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Waukegan is $98,753 ( 151.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,832
2025 BLS Actual
$62,960
2026 Current Est.
$65,258
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,640 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Waukegan, IL grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,832 in 2019 to $62,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,640. New graduates entering the Waukegan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Waukegan
Several companies in Waukegan offer promising opportunities for new electrical engineering graduates, particularly in the semiconductor industry where firms like Apple and Nvidia frequently seek fresh talents. These positions typically require a solid educational background and may even favor candidates with advanced degrees, owing to competitive starting salaries in chip design. Defense contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, are also viable options for graduates, as they actively recruit through internships that provide pathways to permanent roles—often benefiting candidates who have obtained security clearances. Aside from choosing the right employer, pursuing credentials such as the FE exam to earn an EIT designation and, later, the PE license can significantly enhance earning potential. For electrical engineers just entering the workforce, it’s crucial to remain informed about industry trends, including the appeal of the semiconductor sector or the stability often found in utility roles. Navigating various trajectories in these first few years can lead not only to increased entry level electrical engineer salary Waukegan but also to engaging and rewarding long-term careers in Illinois.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Waukegan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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