Palatine vs Rockford: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Palatine, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palatine, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $429,946▲ | $425,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $206.70▲ | $204.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $249,369▲ | $246,846 |
| 25th Percentile | $309,561▲ | $306,429 |
| 75th Percentile | $515,592 | $526,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $601,842 | $623,851▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Palatine and Rockford are closely matched on overall radiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Palatine and Rockford is $4,351 (1.02%). Palatine's median is -2.71% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palatine spans $352,473,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, Palatine ($442,787 effective) pays 1.02% 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 Palatine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($429,946/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $442,787)
- ✓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 Palatine grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 164.6% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Palatine, IL
$379,447 (2024) → $409,472 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$153,200 (2021) → $405,329 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palatine, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Palatine or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palatine and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Palatine 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