Painter Salary in Rockford, Illinois
The median painter salary in Rockford, IL is $36,654 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.
Painter Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)
Rockford offers a median painter salary of $36,654, which is $5,811 below the Illinois state average of $42,465. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $36,654 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for painters in Rockford spans from $24,600 at the 10th percentile to $57,400 at the 90th percentile — a $32,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,420, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,120. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Painter Salary in Rockford by Experience
In Rockford, an entry-level painter earns around $25,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL
| Percentile | Rockford |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $24,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,520 |
| Median (50th) | $36,654 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,740 |
| 90th Percentile | $57,400 |
Painter Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Painter in Rockford
Education
Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, painter 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 Painter Jobs in Rockford
Browse open painter positions in Rockford, IL: