Carbondale vs Champaign: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Carbondale, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carbondale, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,158 | $102,447▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.94 | $49.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,478▲ | $48,987 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,567▲ | $66,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,002▲ | $107,951 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,995▲ | $107,951 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carbondale.
The salary gap between Carbondale and Champaign is $17,289 (20.30%). Champaign's median is +58.76% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carbondale spans $67,517,Champaign spans $58,964. Carbondale 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, Champaign ($110,510 effective) pays 26.01% more than Carbondale ($87,701 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carbondale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,995)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,447/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,510)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Carbondale grew -4.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Carbondale, IL
$87,380 (2019) → $83,390 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$87,420 (2019) → $100,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carbondale, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Carbondale or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carbondale and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Carbondale to Champaign as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Carbondale vs Champaign?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov