Carol Stream vs Rockford: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,837 | $140,099▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.31 | $67.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,786▲ | $66,387 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,969▲ | $92,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,489 | $202,095▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,547 | $399,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Rockford is $4,262 (3.14%). Rockford's median is +2.01% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $131,761,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, Rockford ($152,027 effective) pays 8.67% more than Carol Stream ($139,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,099/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($399,397)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,027)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Carol Stream grew 12.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$114,858 (2024) → $128,682 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$117,000 (2019) → $132,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Carol Stream or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carol Stream and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Carol Stream to Rockford as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Carol Stream vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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