Evanston vs Peoria: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Evanston, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,271 | $168,724▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.59 | $81.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,717 | $82,985▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,235 | $104,428▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,306 | $217,577▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,019 | $307,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Evanston.
The salary gap between Evanston and Peoria is $36,453 (27.56%). Peoria's median is +0.93% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evanston spans $128,302,Peoria spans $224,770. Peoria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($184,942 effective) pays 35.77% more than Evanston ($136,221 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evanston if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,724/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($307,755)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $184,942)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Evanston grew -20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Evanston, IL
$159,317 (2024) → $126,333 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$117,310 (2019) → $161,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evanston, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov