Rockford vs Urbana: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Rockford, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,180▲ | $61,133 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.89▲ | $29.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,725▲ | $37,632 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,199▲ | $45,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,846▲ | $78,250 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,082 | $94,757▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Rockford and Urbana is $1,047 (1.71%). Rockford's median is -22.66% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $50,357,Urbana spans $57,125. Urbana has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($67,474 effective) pays 7.17% more than Urbana ($62,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,180/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,474)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,757)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Rockford grew -25.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -45.8% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$79,440 (2021) → $59,514 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$107,921 (2024) → $58,512 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov