Chicago vs Waukegan: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,109▲ | $82,216 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.42▲ | $39.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,392▲ | $49,786 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,281▲ | $62,246 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,109▲ | $104,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,898 | $127,435▲ |
| Total Employed | 22,680▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Chicago and Waukegan is $28,893 (35.14%). 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 Chicago spans $61,506,Waukegan spans $77,649. Waukegan 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 26.67% more than Waukegan ($84,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,109/year)
- ✓Larger job market (22,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,253)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,435)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Chicago grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$88,770 (2019) → $107,810 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$79,737 (2024) → $79,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Chicago or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Waukegan as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Chicago vs Waukegan?
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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