Peoria vs Streamwood: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Peoria, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Streamwood, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,468▲ | $98,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.69▲ | $47.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,796▲ | $74,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,640▲ | $81,896 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,229▲ | $126,549 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,485▲ | $153,244 |
| Total Employed | 2,120▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Streamwood.
The salary gap between Peoria and Streamwood is $33,601 (33.99%). 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 Peoria spans $68,689,Streamwood spans $78,739. Streamwood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($145,201 effective) pays 42.61% more than Streamwood ($101,820 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 ($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
Choose Streamwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Peoria grew 6.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Streamwood over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$120,700 (2021) → $128,710 (2025)
Streamwood, IL
$94,668 (2024) → $96,062 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Streamwood, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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