Oswego vs Rockford: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Oswego, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oswego, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,757 | $116,451▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.92 | $55.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,518 | $78,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,229 | $86,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,259▲ | $121,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,027▲ | $140,995 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oswego.
The salary gap between Oswego and Rockford is $14,694 (14.44%). Rockford's median is -6.86% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oswego spans $82,509,Rockford spans $62,957. Oswego 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 ($126,366 effective) pays 20.58% more than Oswego ($104,796 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oswego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,027)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,451/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,366)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Oswego grew -8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Oswego, IL
$107,540 (2024) → $98,174 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$89,500 (2019) → $112,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oswego, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov