Peoria vs Urbana: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Peoria, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,616▲ | $71,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.24▲ | $34.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,291▲ | $51,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,368▲ | $59,433 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,816▲ | $91,171 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,070▲ | $110,403 |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Peoria and Urbana is $10,388 (14.58%). Peoria's median is -4.95% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $79,779,Urbana spans $58,467. Peoria 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 ($89,461 effective) pays 21.96% more than Urbana ($73,355 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 ($81,616/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,070)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,461)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Peoria grew 8.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$73,490 (2019) → $79,540 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$82,583 (2024) → $69,416 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Peoria or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Urbana as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Peoria vs Urbana?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov