Collinsville vs Peoria: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Collinsville, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Collinsville, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,147 | $132,468▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.63 | $63.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,671 | $102,796▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,422 | $103,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,080 | $164,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,856 | $171,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,120▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Collinsville.
The salary gap between Collinsville and Peoria is $31,321 (30.97%). Peoria's median is +23.63% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Collinsville spans $81,185,Peoria spans $68,689. Collinsville 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, Peoria ($145,201 effective) pays 39.39% more than Collinsville ($104,168 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Collinsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,468/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,485)
- ✓Larger job market (2,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,201)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Collinsville grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Collinsville, IL
$96,851 (2024) → $98,277 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$120,700 (2021) → $128,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Collinsville, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Collinsville or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Collinsville and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Collinsville to Peoria as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Collinsville vs Peoria?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov