Rockford vs Springfield: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Rockford, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,912 | $85,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.91 | $41.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,784▲ | $51,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,780▲ | $59,816 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,949 | $101,390▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,006▲ | $101,390 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 420 |
Verdict
Rockford and Springfield are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rockford and Springfield is $4,360 (5.39%). Springfield's median is +8.57% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $48,222,Springfield spans $50,324. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($91,942 effective) pays 4.72% more than Rockford ($87,801 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,006)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,272/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,942)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Rockford grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$72,250 (2019) → $78,510 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$75,230 (2019) → $82,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Rockford or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Springfield as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Rockford vs Springfield?
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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