Peoria vs Wheeling: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Peoria, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,016 | $80,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.99 | $38.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,850 | $53,457▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,465 | $64,200▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,257 | $102,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,955 | $120,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Wheeling, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Peoria and Wheeling is $1,126 (1.43%). Wheeling's median is +2.04% 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,Wheeling spans $66,837. Wheeling 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 4.94% more than Wheeling ($82,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,611)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,294)
- ✓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 0.0% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$45,760 (2019) → $76,670 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$77,725 (2024) → $77,762 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Peoria or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Wheeling as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Peoria vs Wheeling?
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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