Chicago vs Des Plaines: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,794▲ | $96,311 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.43▲ | $46.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,080▲ | $65,761 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,125▲ | $73,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,899▲ | $123,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,146▲ | $149,283 |
| Total Employed | 9,760▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $6,483 (6.73%). 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,Des Plaines spans $83,522. 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 0.04% more than Des Plaines ($99,187 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$86,470 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$95,749 (2024) → $93,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
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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