Elgin vs Rockford: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Elgin, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,614▲ | $116,451 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.06▲ | $55.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,441 | $78,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,007▲ | $86,879 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,265▲ | $121,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,751▲ | $140,995 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Elgin and Rockford is $163 (0.14%). Elgin's median is -6.73% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $105,310,Rockford spans $62,957. Elgin 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 5.22% more than Elgin ($120,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,751)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓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 Elgin grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$111,776 (2024) → $112,507 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$89,500 (2019) → $112,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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