Carbondale vs Rockford: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Carbondale, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carbondale, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,883 | $102,045▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.58 | $49.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,054▲ | $72,816 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,865 | $84,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,218 | $128,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,308 | $145,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carbondale.
The salary gap between Carbondale and Rockford is $5,162 (5.33%). Rockford's median is -4.76% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carbondale spans $68,254,Rockford spans $72,939. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($110,733 effective) pays 10.98% more than Carbondale ($99,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carbondale if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,045/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,755)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,733)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Carbondale grew -7.1% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Carbondale, IL
$101,300 (2023) → $94,134 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$78,160 (2019) → $99,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carbondale, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Carbondale or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carbondale and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Carbondale to Rockford as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Carbondale vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov