Rockford vs Springfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Rockford, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,345 | $108,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.80 | $52.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,690 | $76,849▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,586 | $86,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,584 | $138,397▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,563 | $167,769▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Rockford and Springfield is $11,186 (11.49%). Springfield's median is +4.87% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $82,873,Springfield spans $90,920. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($117,021 effective) pays 10.78% more than Rockford ($105,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,769)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,021)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Rockford grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$71,000 (2019) → $94,850 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$91,240 (2019) → $105,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Rockford or Springfield?
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Should I relocate from Rockford to Springfield as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Rockford vs Springfield?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov