Peoria vs Schaumburg: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Peoria, IL and Schaumburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Schaumburg, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,642 | $97,834▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.94 | $47.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,226 | $69,117▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,860 | $79,073▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,835▲ | $123,208 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,271▲ | $151,643 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Peoria and Schaumburg are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Peoria and Schaumburg is $192 (0.20%). Schaumburg's median is -5.47% 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,Schaumburg spans $82,526. 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 6.22% more than Schaumburg ($100,756 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Schaumburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,834/year)
- ✓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 -2.0% growth in Schaumburg over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$82,800 (2019) → $95,140 (2025)
Schaumburg, IL
$97,263 (2024) → $95,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Peoria or Schaumburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Schaumburg?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Schaumburg as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Peoria vs Schaumburg?
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