Engineering Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Chemical Engineer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median chemical engineer salary in Rockford, IL is $87,133 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$87,133
vs State Avg
$-13,814
vs National
$-19,127
Cost of Living
82%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median chemical engineer salary of $87,133, which is $13,814 below the Illinois state average of $100,947. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $87,133 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Rockford spans from $55,760 at the 10th percentile to $141,040 at the 90th percentile — a $85,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,840. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $57,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,400
$-12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,560
$-19,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,840
$-29,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $55,760
25th Percentile $68,880
Median (50th) $87,133
75th Percentile $113,160
90th Percentile $141,040

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$114,761
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$113,698
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$100,947
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$90,321
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $87,133 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $55,760 (10th percentile) to $141,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,133, a chemical engineer in Rockford earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Rockford's median chemical engineer salary of $87,133 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $100,947. 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 chemical engineer salary of $87,133 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Rockford? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.