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Mechanical Leadership Talent Report: Midwestern United States

Reshoring, EV, and mission-critical work in Ohio and the Great Lakes are compressing the historical Midwest discount.

Regional compensation by role

  • VP of Operations: $245k–$373k (mid $296k); top metro Chicago, IL at $324k
  • Preconstruction Director: $181k–$276k (mid $220k); top metro Chicago, IL at $240k
  • Chief Estimator: $210k–$320k (mid $254k); top metro Chicago, IL at $278k
  • Senior Mechanical PM: $149k–$227k (mid $180k); top metro Chicago, IL at $197k

Market snapshot

  • Median mid compensation: $254k
  • Top-paying metro: Chicago, IL ($324k)
  • Candidates tracked: 2,455

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