Champaign vs Rockford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Champaign, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,830▲ | $132,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.19▲ | $63.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,312▲ | $101,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,830▲ | $113,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,592▲ | $138,726 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,592▲ | $154,647 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Champaign and Rockford is $9,704 (7.34%). Champaign's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $57,280,Rockford spans $52,832. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($152,992 effective) pays 6.71% more than Rockford ($143,375 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,830/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,592)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,992)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Champaign grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$106,390 (2019) → $137,100 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$113,780 (2019) → $127,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Champaign or Rockford?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov