Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,794▲ | $94,868 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.43▲ | $45.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,080▲ | $67,592 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,125▲ | $76,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,899▲ | $121,431 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,146▲ | $147,045 |
| Total Employed | 9,760▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $7,926 (8.35%). 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 Chicago spans $88,066,Crystal Lake spans $79,453. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($99,227 effective) pays 1.56% more than Crystal Lake ($97,701 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,146)
- ✓Larger job market (9,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,227)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Chicago grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$86,470 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$94,315 (2024) → $92,437 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Crystal Lake?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Crystal Lake as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Chicago vs Crystal Lake?
Related Comparisons
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