Normal vs Peoria: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Normal, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,441 | $105,205▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.25 | $50.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,100 | $78,432▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,635 | $85,719▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,441 | $136,901▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,012 | $167,084▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Normal.
The salary gap between Normal and Peoria is $2,764 (2.70%). 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 Normal spans $91,912,Peoria spans $88,652. Normal 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 ($115,317 effective) pays 9.30% more than Normal ($105,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal 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 Normal grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Normal, IL
$108,262 (2024) → $98,834 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$120,700 (2021) → $101,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Normal or Peoria?
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Should I relocate from Normal to Peoria as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Normal vs Peoria?
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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