Civil Engineer Salary

Springfield vs Streamwood: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Springfield, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Springfield, IL
$108,531
$52.18/hr
Streamwood, IL
$95,223
$45.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, ILStreamwood, IL
Median Salary$108,531$95,223
Hourly Rate$52.18$45.78
Entry Level (P10)$76,849$68,423
25th Percentile$86,261$77,383
75th Percentile$138,397$121,885
Top Earner (P90)$167,769$147,596
Total Employed4408
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($108,531) and Streamwood ($95,223) civil engineer salaries.SpringfieldStreamwoodMedian Salary$108,531$95,223Entry Level (P10)$76,849$68,423Top Earner (P90)$167,769$147,596US Median $103,492

Verdict

Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Streamwood.

The salary gap between Springfield and Streamwood is $13,308 (13.98%). Springfield's median is +4.87% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $90,920,Streamwood spans $79,173. Springfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$76,849
P25$86,261
Median$108,531
P75$138,397
P90 (Top)$167,769
Streamwood
P10 (Entry)$68,423
P25$77,383
Median$95,223
P75$121,885
P90 (Top)$147,596

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($117,021 effective) pays 19.33% more than Streamwood ($98,067 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $108,531
CoL Index: 92.745
Adjusted: $117,021
Streamwood
Nominal: $95,223
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $98,067

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,531/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($167,769)
  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,021)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Streamwood if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Springfield grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Streamwood over the same period.

Springfield, IL

+15.9%

$91,240 (2019) → $105,750 (2025)

Streamwood, IL

+-2.0%

$94,668 (2024) → $92,783 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Springfield or Streamwood?

Springfield has a higher median civil engineer salary at $108,531/year, compared to Streamwood at $95,223/year — a difference of $13,308 (13.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Streamwood?

Springfield civil engineers earn $52.18/hr while Streamwood hygienists earn $45.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to Streamwood as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and Streamwood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $117,021, Streamwood = $98,067), job availability (440 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Springfield vs Streamwood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $76,849 in Springfield and $68,423 in Streamwood. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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