Peoria vs Rock Island: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Peoria, IL and Rock Island, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,003 | $62,376▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.89 | $29.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,058 | $46,075▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,794 | $58,883▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,143 | $77,374▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,309 | $96,544▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rock Island, IL offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Peoria and Rock Island is $4,373 (7.54%). Rock Island's median is -3.44% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $39,251,Rock Island spans $50,469. Rock Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rock Island ($64,239 effective) pays 1.04% more than Peoria ($63,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,544)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,239)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Peoria grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Rock Island over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$48,020 (2019) → $57,440 (2025)
Rock Island, IL
$67,948 (2024) → $61,771 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Rock Island, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Peoria or Rock Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Rock Island?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Rock Island as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Peoria vs Rock Island?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov