Peoria vs Waukegan: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Peoria, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,205 | $105,813▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.58 | $50.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,432▲ | $65,258 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,719▲ | $79,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,901▲ | $133,762 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,084▲ | $164,011 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Peoria and Waukegan are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Peoria and Waukegan is $608 (0.58%). Waukegan's median is -15.37% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $88,652,Waukegan spans $98,753. Waukegan 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 5.82% more than Waukegan ($108,973 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 ($167,084)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,317)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,813/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Peoria grew -15.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$120,700 (2021) → $101,500 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$111,826 (2024) → $102,087 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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