Technology Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Systems Administrator Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median systems administrator salary in Rockford, IL is $73,785 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 13% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$73,785
vs State Avg
$-11,025
vs National
$-11,025
Cost of Living
82%

Systems Administrator Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median systems administrator salary of $73,785, which is $11,025 below the Illinois state average of $84,810. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $73,785 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,982 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Rockford spans from $45,240 at the 10th percentile to $114,840 at the 90th percentile — a $69,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,850, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,750. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $47,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,820
$-11,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,750
$-16,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $45,240
25th Percentile $58,290
Median (50th) $73,785
75th Percentile $93,960
90th Percentile $114,840

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$95,835
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$94,987
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$84,810
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$76,329
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Rockford

Browse open systems administrator positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Rockford

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Rockford, Illinois is $73,785 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $45,240 (10th percentile) to $114,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,785, a systems administrator in Rockford earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Rockford's median systems administrator salary of $73,785 is 13% below the Illinois state average of $84,810. 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 systems administrator salary of $73,785 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Rockford? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Rockford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.