Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Registered Nurse Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median registered nurse salary in Rockford, IL is $68,225 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$68,225
vs State Avg
$-10,558
vs National
$-12,995
Cost of Living
82%

Registered Nurse Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median registered nurse salary of $68,225, which is $10,558 below the Illinois state average of $78,783. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $68,225 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,201 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Rockford spans from $48,216 at the 10th percentile to $101,472 at the 90th percentile — a $53,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,720, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $48,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $48,216
25th Percentile $56,112
Median (50th) $68,225
75th Percentile $84,924
90th Percentile $101,472

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,342
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$88,530
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$78,783
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$70,661
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Rockford

Browse open registered nurse positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Rockford

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Rockford, Illinois is $68,225 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $48,216 (10th percentile) to $101,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,225, a registered nurse in Rockford earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Rockford's median registered nurse salary of $68,225 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $78,783. 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 registered nurse salary of $68,225 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Rockford? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.