Rockford vs Wheaton: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $425,595▲ | $421,721 |
| Hourly Rate | $204.61▲ | $202.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $246,846▲ | $244,599 |
| 25th Percentile | $306,429▲ | $303,639 |
| 75th Percentile | $526,059▲ | $512,004 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $623,851▲ | $600,788 |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheaton is $3,874 (0.92%). 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 Rockford spans $377,005,Wheaton spans $356,189. Rockford 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 ($438,306 effective) pays 0.92% more than Wheaton ($434,316 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Rockford grew 164.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$153,200 (2021) → $405,329 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$372,189 (2024) → $401,639 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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