Oak Park vs Peoria: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Oak Park, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Park, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,899▲ | $97,642 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.55▲ | $46.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,768 | $64,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,216▲ | $76,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,765 | $125,835▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,294 | $159,271▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Oak Park and Peoria are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Oak Park and Peoria is $1,257 (1.29%). Oak Park's median is -4.44% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Park spans $89,526,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 5.08% more than Oak Park ($101,853 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,899/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 Oak Park grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Oak Park, IL
$98,322 (2024) → $96,365 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$82,800 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Park, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Oak Park or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Park and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Oak Park to Peoria as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Oak Park vs Peoria?
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