Champaign vs Chicago: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,923 | $111,109▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.91 | $53.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,065 | $65,392▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,296 | $89,281▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,330 | $111,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,501 | $126,898▲ |
| Total Employed | 430 | 22,680▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $30,186 (37.30%). Chicago's median is +41.46% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $55,436,Chicago spans $61,506. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($107,253 effective) pays 22.87% more than Champaign ($87,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,109/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,898)
- ✓Larger job market (22,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,253)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Champaign grew 3.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$75,630 (2020) → $78,520 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$88,770 (2019) → $107,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov