As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Forensic Engineer in Chicago, IL is $97,832, equivalent to $47 per hour, $1,881 weekly, or $8,153 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Forensic Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Forensic Engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $81,834 to $108,322. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($89,458) and 75th percentile ($103,323), while top earners (90th percentile) make $108,322 per year. This $13,865 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Troubleshooting or Microsoft Office, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Forensic Engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 264 statewide for Forensic Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Forensic Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Forensic Engineer Salary $81,834 Chicago, IL April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Forensic Engineer Salary $89,458 Chicago, IL April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Forensic Engineer Salary $97,832 Chicago, IL April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Forensic Engineer Salary $103,323 Chicago, IL April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Forensic Engineer Salary $108,322 Chicago, IL April 01, 2026
25% $89,458 10% $81,834 90% $108,322 75% $103,323 $97,832 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
Change Search Criteria
Check out Forensic Engineer jobs in Chicago, Illinois

Electrical Forensic Engineer

Nederveld, Inc. - Schaumburg, IL

Forensic Mechanical Engineer, P.E.

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd - Addison, IL

Civil/Structural Forensic Engineer

Keystoneforensics - Chicago, IL

Search More Forensic Engineer Jobs in Chicago, Illinois

What is a Forensic Engineer ?

Forensic engineering has been defined as "the investigation of failures - ranging from serviceability to catastrophic - which may lead to legal activity, including both civil and criminal". It therefore includes the investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury, damage to property or economic loss. The consequences of failure may give rise to action under either criminal or civil law including but not limited to health and safety legislation, the laws of contract and/or product liability and the...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

See user submitted job responsibilities for Forensic Engineer.

Job Openings for Forensic Engineer in Chicago, IL

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Forensic Engineer

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Biomedical Engineering Supervisor

    3 - 5 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Forensic Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
89458
103323
97832

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
95292
120227
106094
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Forensic Engineer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for Forensic Engineer ranges from $89,458 to $103,323 with the average base salary of $97,832. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $95,292 to $120,227 with the average total cash compensation of $106,094.
Similar Job Titles:

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid?

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

89458
103323

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

Chicago, Illinois  area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

Forensic Engineer Salary in popular cities: AuroraRockfordJoliet

Recently searched related titles: Hardware Analyst, Rewards Consultant, Senior Trust Officer

Jobs with a similar salary range to Forensic Engineer : Chemistry Teacher Postsecondary, Policy Researcher