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Structural Engineer Salary in Waukegan, IL

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

Median Salary
$111,904
per year in Waukegan
Entry Level
$68,513
Starting salary
Senior Level
$154,153
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how structural engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Waukegan.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$68,513$111,904$154,153
Monthly$5,709$9,325$12,846
Biweekly$2,635$4,304$5,929
Weekly$1,318$2,152$2,964
Hourly$33$54$74

Waukegan vs National Average

How Waukegan's structural engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Waukegan Salary
$111,904
COL Index: 98
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,154
Higher in Waukegan

Cost of Living in Waukegan

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
89,321
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukegan have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Structural Engineer

Overview

Design structural components and systems for buildings and infrastructure.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Structural AnalysisCADBuilding CodesDesign Software

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Structural Engineer Salary

See Structural Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
-5%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-6%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-10%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-12%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Structural Engineer Salary in Waukegan, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a structural engineer in Waukegan, IL is $111,904 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukegan's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level structural engineer professionals in Waukegan can expect to earn around $68,513 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level structural engineers earning approximately $154,153 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukegan's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukegan are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a structural engineer's salary in Waukegan typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 11.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

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