Personal Care & Fitness Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Esthetician Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median esthetician salary in Rockford, IL is $31,324 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$31,324
vs State Avg
$-4,966
vs National
$-6,876
Cost of Living
82%

Esthetician Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median esthetician salary of $31,324, which is $4,966 below the Illinois state average of $36,290. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $31,324 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Rockford spans from $19,680 at the 10th percentile to $53,300 at the 90th percentile — a $33,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,320, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,840. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level esthetician earns around $21,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,980
$-7,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,840
$-11,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $19,680
25th Percentile $24,600
Median (50th) $31,324
75th Percentile $42,640
90th Percentile $53,300

Esthetician Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$41,256
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$40,874
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$36,290
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$32,470
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Esthetician in Rockford

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Rockford

Browse open esthetician positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Rockford

How much does a Esthetician make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Rockford, Illinois is $31,324 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $19,680 (10th percentile) to $53,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,324, a esthetician in Rockford earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Rockford's median esthetician salary of $31,324 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $36,290. 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 esthetician salary of $31,324 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Rockford? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Rockford require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.