Business & Finance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Human Resources Manager Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median human resources manager salary in Rockford, IL is $114,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$114,400
vs State Avg
$-16,900
vs National
$-15,600
Cost of Living
82%

Human Resources Manager Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median human resources manager salary of $114,400, which is $16,900 below the Illinois state average of $131,300. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $114,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $139,512 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for human resources managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for human resources managers in Rockford spans from $68,816 at the 10th percentile to $183,040 at the 90th percentile — a $114,224 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,200. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,200 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)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,200
$-19,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $68,816
25th Percentile $88,880
Median (50th) $114,400
75th Percentile $146,960
90th Percentile $183,040

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$148,200
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$146,900
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$131,300
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$118,300
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Human Resources Manager Jobs in Rockford

Browse open human resources manager positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Rockford

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Rockford, Illinois is $114,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $68,816 (10th percentile) to $183,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,400, a human resources manager in Rockford earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
Rockford's median human resources manager salary of $114,400 is 12.9% below the Illinois state average of $131,300. 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 human resources manager salary of $114,400 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Rockford? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.