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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Principal Engineer in Illinois is $151,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Principal Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $159,446 | $13,287 | $3,066 | $77 |
| Average | $151,820 | $12,652 | $2,920 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,371 | $12,031 | $2,776 | $69 |
Amaris Consulting - Chicago, IL
Hansen Technologies LLC - Willowbrook, IL
Dozee - Mundelein, IL
Socotec - Chicago, IL
A Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $110,322 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $131,454 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $151,258 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $192,444 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $103,426 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mechanical Principal Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Mechanical Principal Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Principal Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Principal Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $189,775 | $91.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $182,184 | $88.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $174,593 | $84.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $174,593 | $84.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $174,593 | $84.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Principal Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $159,446 | $13,287 | $3,066 | $77 |
| Average | $151,820 | $12,652 | $2,920 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,371 | $12,031 | $2,776 | $69 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Principal Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
AbbVie
North Chicago, IL
AbbVie | North Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. About AbbVie. AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that so... more
10 Days Ago
SOURCE UNITED LLC
Elk Grove Village, IL
SOURCE UNITED LLC | Elk Grove Village, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Mechanical Engineer Opportunity. Dive into Diverse Engineering Challenges. We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic Mech... more
8 Days Ago
Labor Solutions, LLC
Libertyville, IL
Labor Solutions, LLC | Libertyville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement... more
10 Days Ago
Powell Industries
Northlake, IL
Powell Industries | Northlake, IL
Powell Industries is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering & Design department in the Energy & Utilities sector. In this role, you w... more
10 Days Ago
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.
Champaign, IL
GHR Engineers & Associates, INC. | Champaign, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Hybrid position - remote and on site. About the Role. We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our MEP t... more
10 Days Ago
Neville Engineering Service, Inc.
Chicago, IL
Neville Engineering Service, Inc. | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. MEP Mechanical Engineer – Make an impact while building a fantastic future. Are you an experienced ME professional with a... more
11 Days Ago
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