Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Rockford, Illinois
The median machine learning engineer salary in Rockford, IL is $115,710 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 13% below the Illinois state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)
Rockford offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $115,710, which is $17,290 below the Illinois state average of $133,000. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 $115,710 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $141,110 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for machine learning engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for machine learning engineers in Rockford spans from $71,340 at the 10th percentile to $178,350 at the 90th percentile — a $107,010 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,560, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,040. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Rockford by Experience
In Rockford, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $76,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL
| Percentile | Rockford |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $71,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,960 |
| Median (50th) | $115,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $178,350 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Rockford
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Rockford
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Rockford, IL: