Business & Finance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Project Manager Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median project manager salary in Rockford, IL is $83,926 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$83,926
vs State Avg
$-12,398
vs National
$-11,444
Cost of Living
82%

Project Manager Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median project manager salary of $83,926, which is $12,398 below the Illinois state average of $96,324. Compared to the national median of $95,370, 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 $83,926 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $102,349 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for project managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for project managers in Rockford spans from $49,456 at the 10th percentile to $140,008 at the 90th percentile — a $90,552 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior project managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Project Manager Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level project manager earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $49,456
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $83,926
75th Percentile $110,880
90th Percentile $140,008

Project Manager Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$108,722
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$107,768
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$96,324
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$86,787
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Project Manager in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Project Manager Jobs in Rockford

Browse open project manager positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Rockford

How much does a Project Manager make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median project manager salary in Rockford, Illinois is $83,926 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $49,456 (10th percentile) to $140,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,926, a project manager in Rockford earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for project manager pay? ▼
Rockford's median project manager salary of $83,926 is 12.9% below the Illinois state average of $96,324. 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 project manager salary of $83,926 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a project manager in Rockford? ▼
Most project manager positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Budgeting, Stakeholder Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.