Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Veterinarian Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median veterinarian salary in Rockford, IL is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$86,738
vs State Avg
$-13,424
vs National
$-16,522
Cost of Living
82%

Veterinarian Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median veterinarian salary of $86,738, which is $13,424 below the Illinois state average of $100,162. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 $86,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $105,778 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Rockford spans from $54,768 at the 10th percentile to $146,328 at the 90th percentile — a $91,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,120, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,200. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $57,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,200
$-24,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $54,768
25th Percentile $67,536
Median (50th) $86,738
75th Percentile $112,896
90th Percentile $146,328

Veterinarian Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$113,586
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$112,553
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$100,162
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$89,836
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Veterinarian in Rockford

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Rockford

Browse open veterinarian positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Rockford

How much does a Veterinarian make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Rockford, Illinois is $86,738 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $54,768 (10th percentile) to $146,328 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,738, a veterinarian in Rockford earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Rockford's median veterinarian salary of $86,738 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $100,162. 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 veterinarian salary of $86,738 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Rockford? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Rockford require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.