Chicago vs Oak Lawn: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Oak Lawn, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Oak Lawn, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,794▲ | $97,077 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.43▲ | $46.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,080▲ | $67,091 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,125▲ | $75,442 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,899▲ | $124,258 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,146▲ | $150,469 |
| Total Employed | 9,760▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Lawn.
The salary gap between Chicago and Oak Lawn is $5,717 (5.89%). 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,Oak Lawn spans $83,378. 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, Oak Lawn ($99,976 effective) pays 0.76% 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 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
Choose Oak Lawn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,976)
- ✓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 Oak Lawn over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$86,470 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Oak Lawn, IL
$96,510 (2024) → $94,589 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Oak Lawn, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chicago or Oak Lawn?
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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