Rockford vs Schaumburg: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Rockford, IL and Schaumburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Schaumburg, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,451▲ | $103,763 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.98▲ | $49.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,038▲ | $68,935 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,879▲ | $81,469 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,675 | $128,800▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,995 | $160,833▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Schaumburg.
The salary gap between Rockford and Schaumburg is $12,688 (12.23%). 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 Rockford spans $62,957,Schaumburg spans $91,898. Schaumburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($126,366 effective) pays 18.25% more than Schaumburg ($106,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Schaumburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,833)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Rockford grew 25.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Schaumburg over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$89,500 (2019) → $112,350 (2025)
Schaumburg, IL
$109,660 (2024) → $100,109 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Rockford or Schaumburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Schaumburg?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Schaumburg as a electrical engineer?
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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