Peoria vs Rockford: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Peoria, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,642▲ | $97,345 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.94▲ | $46.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,226▲ | $59,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,860▲ | $73,586 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,835 | $126,584▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,271▲ | $142,563 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Peoria and Rockford is $297 (0.31%). Peoria's median is -5.65% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $95,045,Rockford spans $82,873. Peoria 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, Peoria ($107,027 effective) pays 1.32% more than Rockford ($105,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,642/year)
- ✓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
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Peoria grew 14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$82,800 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$71,000 (2019) → $94,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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