Home / City Job Salaries / Automotive Engineer in Elgin

Automotive Engineer Salary in Elgin, IL

How much does a automotive engineer make in Elgin? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Elgin's cost of living.

Median Salary
$113,299
per year in Elgin
Entry Level
$68,666
Starting salary
Senior Level
$155,643
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Elgin.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$68,666$113,299$155,643
Monthly$5,722$9,442$12,970
Biweekly$2,641$4,358$5,986
Weekly$1,321$2,179$2,993
Hourly$33$54$75

Elgin vs National Average

How Elgin's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Elgin Salary
$113,299
COL Index: 96
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$899
Higher in Elgin

Cost of Living in Elgin

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$62,340
per year
Population
114,797
residents
Rent % of Income
22.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Elgin have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
-2%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+1%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-11%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+12%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a automotive engineer salary in Elgin.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Elgin.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Elgin.

Automotive Engineer Salary in Elgin, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Elgin, IL is $113,299 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Elgin's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Elgin can expect to earn around $68,666 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $155,643 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Elgin's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Elgin are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Elgin typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 12.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Elgin, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.