Carol Stream vs Rockford: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,599 | $80,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.27 | $38.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,117 | $62,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,875 | $74,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,887▲ | $95,949 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,628▲ | $111,006 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Rockford is $1,313 (1.65%). Rockford's median is +3.02% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $70,511,Rockford spans $48,222. Carol Stream 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 ($87,801 effective) pays 7.11% more than Carol Stream ($81,976 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,628)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,912/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,801)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Carol Stream grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$77,199 (2024) → $77,236 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$72,250 (2019) → $78,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Carol Stream or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carol Stream and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Carol Stream to Rockford as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Carol Stream vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov