Springfield vs Wheaton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,661▲ | $103,847 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.80▲ | $49.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,636 | $69,230▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,506▲ | $81,635 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,449 | $132,892▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,384 | $159,930▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheaton is $1,814 (1.75%). Springfield's median is -15.49% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $77,748,Wheaton spans $90,700. Wheaton 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, Springfield ($113,926 effective) pays 6.52% more than Wheaton ($106,949 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 ($105,661/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,926)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,930)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Springfield grew 5.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$96,790 (2019) → $101,940 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$109,748 (2024) → $100,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Springfield or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheaton as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Springfield vs Wheaton?
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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