Oswego vs Rockford: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical 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 | $99,613 | $102,045▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89 | $49.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,869▲ | $72,816 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,416 | $84,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,109 | $128,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,722▲ | $145,755 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oswego.
The salary gap between Oswego and Rockford is $2,432 (2.44%). 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 Oswego spans $77,853,Rockford spans $72,939. 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 ($110,733 effective) pays 7.94% more than Oswego ($102,588 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 ($153,722)
- ✓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 Oswego grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Oswego, IL
$95,383 (2024) → $96,787 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$78,160 (2019) → $99,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oswego, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Oswego or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oswego and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Oswego to Rockford as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Oswego vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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