Creative & Education Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

College Professor Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median college professor salary in Rockford, IL is $68,782 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$68,782
vs State Avg
$-10,904
vs National
$-15,098
Cost of Living
82%

College Professor Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median college professor salary of $68,782, which is $10,904 below the Illinois state average of $79,686. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $68,782 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Rockford spans from $36,900 at the 10th percentile to $137,760 at the 90th percentile — a $100,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,200. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level college professor earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,200 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)
$70,520
$-15,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,200
$-28,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $36,900
25th Percentile $49,200
Median (50th) $68,782
75th Percentile $98,400
90th Percentile $137,760

College Professor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$90,590
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$89,752
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$79,686
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$71,298
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a College Professor in Rockford

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor 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 College Professor Jobs in Rockford

Browse open college professor positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Rockford

How much does a College Professor make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median college professor salary in Rockford, Illinois is $68,782 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $36,900 (10th percentile) to $137,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,782, a college professor in Rockford earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for college professor pay? ▼
Rockford's median college professor salary of $68,782 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $79,686. 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 college professor salary of $68,782 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Rockford? ▼
Most college professor positions in Rockford require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.