Decatur vs Springfield: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Decatur, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,791▲ | $105,661 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.34▲ | $50.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,541▲ | $64,636 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,197▲ | $84,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,182▲ | $131,449 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,711▲ | $142,384 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Decatur and Springfield is $1,130 (1.07%). Decatur's median is -14.59% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $89,170,Springfield spans $77,748. Decatur 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, Decatur ($120,774 effective) pays 6.01% more than Springfield ($113,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,791/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,711)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,774)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Decatur grew -1.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$104,810 (2021) → $103,030 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$96,790 (2019) → $101,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov