Chicago vs Rockford: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $156,999▲ | $140,099 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.49▲ | $67.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,261▲ | $66,387 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,908▲ | $92,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,352▲ | $202,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,396 | $399,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rockford is $16,900 (12.06%). Chicago's median is +14.32% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $220,135,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 0.31% more than Chicago ($151,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,999/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($399,397)
- ✓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 Chicago grew 52.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$97,690 (2019) → $148,730 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$117,000 (2019) → $132,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Chicago or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rockford as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Chicago vs 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