Elgin vs Peoria: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Elgin, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,118▲ | $79,016 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.94▲ | $37.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,031▲ | $50,850 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,025▲ | $60,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,950▲ | $99,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,663▲ | $108,955 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Elgin and Peoria is $31,102 (39.36%). Elgin's median is +40.20% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $100,632,Peoria spans $58,105. Elgin 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, Elgin ($113,407 effective) pays 30.94% more than Peoria ($86,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,118/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,663)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,407)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Elgin grew 34.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.5% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$79,701 (2024) → $106,848 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$45,760 (2019) → $76,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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