Carol Stream vs Chicago: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,591 | $102,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.44 | $49.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,696 | $76,080▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,161 | $82,125▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,636 | $129,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,717 | $164,146▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 9,760▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Chicago is $6,203 (6.42%). Chicago's median is -0.67% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $86,021,Chicago spans $88,066. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carol Stream ($99,476 effective) pays 0.25% more than Chicago ($99,227 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,476)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,146)
- ✓Larger job market (9,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Carol Stream grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$96,028 (2024) → $94,116 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$86,470 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov