Correctional Officer Salary in Rockford, IL: $40,680 (2026)

Correctional Officer Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median correctional officer salary of $40,680, which is $6,450 below the Illinois state average of $47,130. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 $40,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Rockford spans from $27,060 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Percentile	Rockford	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$27,060	$31,350	$33,000
25th Percentile	$31,980	$37,050	$39,000
Median (50th)	$40,680	$47,130	$49,610
75th Percentile	$51,660	$59,850	$63,000
90th Percentile	$63,960	$74,100	$78,000

Percentile

Rockford

10th Percentile

$27,060

25th Percentile

$31,980

Median (50th)

$40,680

75th Percentile

$51,660

90th Percentile

$63,960

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Rockford

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Rockford, IL? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $40,680 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $27,060 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Rockford? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,680, a correctional officer in Rockford earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Rockford's median correctional officer salary of $40,680 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $47,130. 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 correctional officer salary of $40,680 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Rockford? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Rockford require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.

Correctional Officer Salary in Rockford, Illinois