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Materials Engineers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Materials Engineers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$126,620
Median Annual Salary
▲ +19.5% vs 2024
$122,070
Mean Salary
$126,620
Median Salary
$60.88
Hourly Rate
290 people work as Materials Engineers in Illinois

Materials Engineers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Materials Engineers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Materials Engineers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $71,780$71,78025th25% earn less than $91,570$91,570MedianHalf earn more than $126,620$126,62075th75% earn less than $136,710$136,71090thTop 10% earn more than $165,710$165,710

Materials Engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $126,620 per year ($10,551/month). This is 16.3% above the national average of $108,868. Illinois ranks #7 out of 45 states for Materials Engineers pay. Approximately 290 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 19.5% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Materials Engineers

Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Science
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0
Critical Thinking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.29
Chemistry
4.25
Physics
4.19
Production and Processing
4.1
Mathematics
4.1
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (47.6% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Materials Engineers in Illinois

Salaries for Materials Engineers in Illinois range from $71,780 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $165,710 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $91,570 and $136,710.

Median $126,620
P10: $71,780 P25: $91,570 P75: $136,710 P90: $165,710
10th
$71,780
25th
$91,570
Median
$126,620
75th
$136,710
90th
$165,710
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $71,780 $34.51 $5,981
25th Percentile $91,570 $44.02 $7,630
Median (50th) $126,620 $60.88 $10,551
75th Percentile $136,710 $65.73 $11,392
90th Percentile (Experienced) $165,710 $79.67 $13,809

Note: The mean (average) salary of $122,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#7
Illinois ranks #7 of 45 states
$108,868
National avg. for Materials Engineers
+16.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Materials Engineers salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Materials Engineers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Materials Engineers Data in Illinois

Materials Engineers Salary by State

Compare Materials Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Materials Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Materials Engineers in Illinois is $126,620 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $122,070.
What is the salary range for a Materials Engineers in Illinois?
Salaries for Materials Engineers in Illinois range from $71,780 at the 10th percentile to $165,710 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $91,570 and $136,710.
What is the starting salary for a Materials Engineers in Illinois?
Entry-level Materials Engineers positions in Illinois typically start around $71,780 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $91,570 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Materials Engineers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 290 people are employed as Materials Engineers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Materials Engineers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Materials Engineers in Illinois is approximately $60.88 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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