Trades & Labor Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Solar Installer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median solar installer salary in Rockford, IL is $39,089 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$39,089
vs State Avg
$-6,198
vs National
$-8,581
Cost of Living
82%

Solar Installer Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median solar installer salary of $39,089, which is $6,198 below the Illinois state average of $45,287. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 $39,089 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,670 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for solar installers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for solar installers in Rockford spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $59,040 at the 90th percentile — a $32,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,880, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Solar Installer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level solar installer earns around $27,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,880
$-6,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,180
$-8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $26,240
25th Percentile $31,160
Median (50th) $39,089
75th Percentile $49,200
90th Percentile $59,040

Solar Installer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$51,484
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$51,007
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$45,287
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$40,520
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Solar Installer in Rockford

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open solar installer positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Solar Installer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $39,089 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $59,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,089, a solar installer in Rockford earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Rockford's median solar installer salary of $39,089 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $45,287. 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 solar installer salary of $39,089 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Rockford? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Rockford require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.