Civil Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Civil Engineer salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Civil Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026
The median Civil Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $94,160 per year ($7,847/month, $45/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
Civil Engineer Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $94,160 |
| Federal Tax | -$12,329 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$4,661 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$7,203 |
| Annual Take-Home | $69,967 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $5,831 |
Living Cost Comparison
Civil Engineer Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a Civil Engineer take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for Civil Engineers?
What skills are needed for a Civil Engineer in Chicago?
How does Civil Engineer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Civil Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $94,160 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Civil Engineers earn around $66,340, while senior-level professionals can earn $124,120 or more.
How much does a Civil Engineer take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Civil Engineer earning the median salary of $94,160 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $69,967 per year ($5,831/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.7%.
Is Chicago a good city for Civil Engineers?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Civil Engineers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Civil Engineer in Chicago?
Key skills for Civil Engineers include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Surveying, Environmental Compliance. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include PE License, FE Exam, LEED.
How does Civil Engineer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Civil Engineer salary is $88,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $94,160, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.