Des Plaines vs Rockford: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,148 | $116,451▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.11 | $55.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,443 | $78,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,073 | $86,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,727▲ | $121,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,996▲ | $140,995 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Rockford is $14,303 (14.00%). Rockford's median is -6.86% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Plaines spans $88,553,Rockford spans $62,957. Des Plaines 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, Rockford ($126,366 effective) pays 20.12% more than Des Plaines ($105,199 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,996)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,451/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,366)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Des Plaines grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$107,953 (2024) → $98,551 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$89,500 (2019) → $112,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Des Plaines or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Plaines and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Des Plaines to Rockford as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Des Plaines vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov