Chicago vs Urbana: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chicago, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,794▲ | $101,142 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.43▲ | $48.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,080▲ | $74,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,125 | $83,544▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,899▲ | $129,462 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,146▲ | $156,770 |
| Total Employed | 9,760▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Chicago and Urbana is $1,652 (1.63%). 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,Urbana spans $82,265. 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, Urbana ($104,163 effective) pays 4.97% 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 Urbana if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,163)
- ✓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 3.0% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$86,470 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$95,721 (2024) → $98,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chicago or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Urbana as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Chicago vs Urbana?
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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