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Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rockford, IL

How much does a aerospace engineer make in Rockford? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Rockford's cost of living.

Median Salary
$86,822
per year in Rockford
Entry Level
$52,254
Starting salary
Senior Level
$120,587
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
95
5% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how aerospace engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Rockford.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,254$86,822$120,587
Monthly$4,355$7,235$10,049
Biweekly$2,010$3,339$4,638
Weekly$1,005$1,670$2,319
Hourly$25$42$58

Rockford vs National Average

How Rockford's aerospace engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Rockford Salary
$86,822
COL Index: 95
National Average
$87,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$218
Lower in Rockford

Cost of Living in Rockford

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$50,234
per year
Population
142,591
residents
Rent % of Income
28.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rockford have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Aerospace Engineer

Overview

Design aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Aircraft DesignAerodynamicsCADSystems Engineering

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +19% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Aerospace Engineer Salary

See Aerospace Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$135,530
+56%
Los Angeles, CA
$143,860
+66%
Chicago, IL
$125,520
+45%
Houston, TX
$126,690
+46%
Phoenix, AZ
$139,260
+60%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Aerospace Engineer Salary in Rockford, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a aerospace engineer in Rockford, IL is $86,822 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rockford's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level aerospace engineer professionals in Rockford can expect to earn around $52,254 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level aerospace engineers earning approximately $120,587 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rockford's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Rockford are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,040, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a aerospace engineer's salary in Rockford typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 16.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Aerospace Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 19% over the next decade. In Rockford, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.