Arlington Heights vs Rockford: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $422,265 | $425,595▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $203.01 | $204.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $244,914 | $246,846▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $304,031 | $306,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $513,314 | $526,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $602,643 | $623,851▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Rockford is $3,330 (0.79%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $357,729,Rockford spans $377,005. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($438,306 effective) pays 0.79% more than Arlington Heights ($434,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($425,595/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($623,851)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $438,306)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Arlington Heights grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 164.6% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$372,669 (2024) → $402,157 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$153,200 (2021) → $405,329 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Arlington Heights or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Rockford as a radiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov