Elgin vs Peoria: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elgin, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,878▲ | $97,642 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.98▲ | $46.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,116▲ | $64,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,216▲ | $76,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,404▲ | $125,835 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,911 | $159,271▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Elgin and Peoria are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elgin and Peoria is $4,236 (4.34%). Elgin's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $87,795,Peoria spans $95,045. Peoria 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, Peoria ($107,027 effective) pays 2.01% more than Elgin ($104,921 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,878/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,271)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,027)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Elgin grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$99,140 (2024) → $99,267 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$82,800 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Elgin or Peoria?
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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