Elmhurst vs Peoria: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Elmhurst, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmhurst, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,953 | $105,205▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.05 | $50.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,805 | $78,432▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,645 | $85,719▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,905 | $136,901▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,917 | $167,084▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmhurst.
The salary gap between Elmhurst and Peoria is $5,252 (5.25%). Peoria's median is -15.86% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmhurst spans $80,112,Peoria spans $88,652. Peoria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($115,317 effective) pays 12.03% more than Elmhurst ($102,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmhurst if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,205/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,084)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,317)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Elmhurst grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Elmhurst, IL
$105,633 (2024) → $96,433 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$120,700 (2021) → $101,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmhurst, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Elmhurst or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elmhurst and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Elmhurst to Peoria as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Elmhurst vs Peoria?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov