Hoffman Estates vs Rockford: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hoffman Estates, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hoffman Estates, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,412▲ | $85,227 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.99▲ | $40.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,848 | $69,842▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,204 | $81,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,081 | $104,478▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,849▲ | $118,779 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 4,620▲ |
Verdict
Hoffman Estates, IL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Hoffman Estates and Rockford is $4,185 (4.91%). Hoffman Estates's median is -12.96% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoffman Estates spans $63,001,Rockford spans $48,937. Hoffman Estates has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($92,483 effective) pays 0.44% more than Hoffman Estates ($92,082 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hoffman Estates if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,412/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,849)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,483)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hoffman Estates grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Hoffman Estates, IL
$82,229 (2024) → $84,904 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$65,250 (2019) → $80,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hoffman Estates, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov