Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Illinois (2026)
Illinois · 5.0% above national average · Very High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $174,048 | +12.0% | Very High |
| Aurora | $158,508 | +2.0% | Very High |
Illinois is home to a strong job market for Machine Learning Engineers. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $155,400 per year, Illinois's Machine Learning Engineer salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $101,588–$129,938, while experienced Machine Learning Engineers can command $193,725–$217,350.
Looking ahead, the Machine Learning Engineer profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 9.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Illinois?The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Illinois is $155,400 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $148,000.
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What city in Illinois pays Machine Learning Engineers the most?Major metro areas typically pay Machine Learning Engineers the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is Illinois a good state for Machine Learning Engineers?Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Machine Learning Engineer employment.
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How does Illinois Machine Learning Engineer salary compare to the US average?At $155,400/year, Illinois Machine Learning Engineer salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $148,000/year.