Agriculture & Environment Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median agricultural scientist salary in Rockford, IL is $60,811 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$60,811
vs State Avg
$-9,641
vs National
$-13,349
Cost of Living
82%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $60,811, which is $9,641 below the Illinois state average of $70,452. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $60,811 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Rockford spans from $36,080 at the 10th percentile to $100,040 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,300. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,320
$-13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,300
$-20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $36,080
25th Percentile $45,920
Median (50th) $60,811
75th Percentile $80,360
90th Percentile $100,040

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$80,093
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$79,351
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$70,452
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$63,036
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Rockford

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $60,811 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $36,080 (10th percentile) to $100,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,811, a agricultural scientist in Rockford earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Rockford's median agricultural scientist salary of $60,811 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $70,452. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $60,811 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Rockford? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.