Elgin vs Rockford: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Elgin, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,599▲ | $140,099 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.81▲ | $67.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,530▲ | $66,387 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,019▲ | $92,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,166 | $202,095▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,178 | $399,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Elgin and Rockford are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elgin and Rockford is $15,500 (11.06%). Elgin's median is +13.30% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $150,648,Rockford spans $333,010. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elgin ($160,246 effective) pays 5.41% more than Rockford ($152,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,599/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,246)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($399,397)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Elgin grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$118,579 (2024) → $147,403 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$117,000 (2019) → $132,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Elgin or Rockford?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov