Des Plaines vs Rockford: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,369 | $80,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.16 | $38.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,961 | $62,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,778 | $74,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,032▲ | $95,949 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,285▲ | $111,006 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Rockford is $1,543 (1.94%). 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 Des Plaines spans $68,324,Rockford spans $48,222. Des Plaines 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 7.42% more than Des Plaines ($81,739 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,285)
- ✓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 Des Plaines grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$76,975 (2024) → $77,012 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$72,250 (2019) → $78,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Des Plaines or Rockford?
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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