Champaign vs Peoria: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Champaign, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,636 | $63,369▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15 | $30.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,521▲ | $44,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,188 | $50,254▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,682 | $79,817▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,829 | $101,678▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Peoria is $2,733 (4.51%). Peoria's median is -2.65% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $35,308,Peoria spans $57,252. Peoria has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($69,460 effective) pays 6.19% more than Champaign ($65,408 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,369/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,678)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,460)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Champaign grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$48,440 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$51,030 (2019) → $61,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Champaign or Peoria?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov