Science & Research Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Physicist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median physicist salary in Rockford, IL is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$124,993
vs State Avg
$-19,816
vs National
$-27,437
Cost of Living
82%

Physicist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median physicist salary of $124,993, which is $19,816 below the Illinois state average of $144,809. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $124,993 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Rockford spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $195,160 at the 90th percentile — a $131,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,400. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level physicist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,100
$-27,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,400
$-39,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $88,560
Median (50th) $124,993
75th Percentile $159,900
90th Percentile $195,160

Physicist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$164,624
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$163,100
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$144,809
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$129,566
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Physicist in Rockford

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open physicist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Physicist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median physicist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $195,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,993, a physicist in Rockford earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for physicist pay? ▼
Rockford's median physicist salary of $124,993 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $144,809. 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 physicist salary of $124,993 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Rockford? ▼
Most physicist positions in Rockford require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.