DeKalb vs Peoria: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between DeKalb, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,359▲ | $85,312 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.52▲ | $41.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,671 | $72,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,582 | $79,846▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,644 | $103,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,010▲ | $105,658 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 5,460▲ |
Verdict
DeKalb, IL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Peoria is $1,047 (1.23%). DeKalb's median is -15.94% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $56,339,Peoria spans $33,015. DeKalb 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 ($93,512 effective) pays 5.14% more than DeKalb ($88,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,359/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,010)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,512)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in DeKalb grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Peoria over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$79,422 (2024) → $82,005 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$64,530 (2019) → $81,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov