EngineeringUpdated Q1 2025

Aerospace Engineer Salary
in Rockford, IL

Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Median salary in Rockford: $122K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$122K
per year
Take-home: $80K

Salary range in Rockford

Entry level (25th)$90,000
Median (50th)$122,000
Senior (75th)$158,000
Top earner (90th)$198,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Rockford, Illinois.

Key facts for Rockford

Median salary
$122K
annual
Take-home pay
$80K
after fed/state tax
COL index
80
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$950
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Rockford Aerospace Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $122K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Rockford

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Aerospace Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$102K$111K$120K$129K$138K201920212023202520272029
2026
$125K
projected
2027
$128K
projected
2028
$131K
projected
2029
$135K
projected
2030
$138K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$122,000+$0
2028 projected$122,000+$0
2029 projected$122,000+$0
2030 projected$122,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rockford, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Aerospace Engineer salary in Rockford, IL is $122,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Rockford–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Aerospace Engineer in Rockford

Entry-level Aerospace Engineers in Rockford with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $90,000 and $122,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $122,000 to $158,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $158,000 to $198,000 or more.

Cost of living in Rockford for Aerospace Engineers

Rockford has a cost of living index of 80 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 20% further in Rockford than the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Aerospace Engineer

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Aerospace Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Rockford (current)$122K80
Chicago107
Aurora95
Joliet90
Naperville118