Arlington Heights vs Rockford: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $101,790 | $102,045▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.94 | $49.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,813▲ | $72,816 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,097 | $84,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,292▲ | $128,701 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,774▲ | $145,755 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Rockford is $255 (0.25%). Rockford's median is -4.76% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $81,961,Rockford spans $72,939. Arlington Heights 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 ($110,733 effective) pays 5.63% more than Arlington Heights ($104,830 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,774)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,045/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,733)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Arlington Heights grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$97,467 (2024) → $98,902 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$78,160 (2019) → $99,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Arlington Heights or Rockford?
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Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Rockford as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov