Chicago vs Rockford: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $503,906▲ | $425,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $242.27▲ | $204.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $248,640▲ | $246,846 |
| 25th Percentile | $503,906▲ | $306,429 |
| 75th Percentile | $503,906 | $526,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $503,916 | $623,851▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 34 |
Verdict
Chicago and Rockford are closely matched on overall radiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rockford is $78,311 (18.40%). Chicago's median is +14.03% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $255,276,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, Chicago ($486,419 effective) pays 10.98% more than Rockford ($438,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($503,906/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $486,419)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($623,851)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Chicago grew 200.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 164.6% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$159,530 (2022) → $479,910 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$153,200 (2021) → $405,329 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Chicago or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rockford as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Chicago vs Rockford?
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