Business & Finance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Economist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median economist salary in Rockford, IL is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-14,812
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
82%

Economist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $14,812 below the Illinois state average of $115,079. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,277 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Rockford spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$129,892
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$128,752
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$115,079
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$103,685
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Economist in Rockford

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist 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 Economist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open economist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Economist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median economist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Rockford earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for economist pay? ▼
Rockford's median economist salary of $100,267 is 12.9% below the Illinois state average of $115,079. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Rockford? ▼
Most economist positions in Rockford require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.