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Materials Engineer Salary in Downers Grove, IL

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

Median Salary
$123,254
per year in Downers Grove
Entry Level
$74,969
Starting salary
Senior Level
$168,999
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how materials engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Downers Grove.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$74,969$123,254$168,999
Monthly$6,247$10,271$14,083
Biweekly$2,883$4,741$6,500
Weekly$1,442$2,370$3,250
Hourly$36$59$81

Downers Grove vs National Average

How Downers Grove's materials engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Downers Grove Salary
$123,254
COL Index: 108
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,564
Higher in Downers Grove

Cost of Living in Downers Grove

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,250
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
50,010
residents
Rent % of Income
18.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Downers Grove have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Materials Engineer

Overview

Develop and test new materials for industrial applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Engineering

Key Skills

Materials ScienceTesting & AnalysisProcess DevelopmentProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Materials Engineer Salary

See Materials Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$137,650
+12%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-3%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-21%
Houston, TX
$147,080
+19%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-11%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Downers Grove, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Downers Grove, IL is $123,254 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Downers Grove's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Downers Grove can expect to earn around $74,969 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $168,999 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Downers Grove's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Downers Grove are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,690, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a materials engineer's salary in Downers Grove typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 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

Materials Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Downers Grove, 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.