Springfield vs Waukegan: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Springfield, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,531▲ | $99,767 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.18▲ | $47.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,849▲ | $65,732 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,261▲ | $76,996 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,397▲ | $127,701 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,769▲ | $154,639 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waukegan is $8,764 (8.78%). 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,Waukegan spans $88,907. Springfield 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, Springfield ($117,021 effective) pays 13.89% more than Waukegan ($102,747 effective).
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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$91,240 (2019) → $105,750 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$99,185 (2024) → $97,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Springfield or Waukegan?
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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