Peoria vs Rock Island: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Peoria, IL and Rock Island, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,016▲ | $70,786 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.99▲ | $34.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,850▲ | $43,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,465▲ | $57,899 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,257▲ | $88,322 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,955▲ | $101,285 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Island.
The salary gap between Peoria and Rock Island is $8,230 (11.63%). Peoria's median is +0.60% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $58,105,Rock Island spans $58,215. Rock Island 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, Peoria ($86,611 effective) pays 18.81% more than Rock Island ($72,900 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,955)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,611)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Island if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Peoria grew 67.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Rock Island over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$45,760 (2019) → $76,670 (2025)
Rock Island, IL
$77,385 (2024) → $68,684 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Rock Island, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Peoria or Rock Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Rock Island?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Rock Island as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Peoria vs Rock Island?
Related Comparisons
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