Rockford vs Romeoville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Rockford, IL and Romeoville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Romeoville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,423▲ | $130,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.11▲ | $62.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,545▲ | $76,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,908▲ | $107,535 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,311▲ | $156,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,907▲ | $187,694 |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Romeoville.
The salary gap between Rockford and Romeoville is $4,738 (3.63%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $129,362,Romeoville spans $110,808. Rockford 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, Rockford ($139,468 effective) pays 3.63% more than Romeoville ($134,588 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 ($135,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,907)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,468)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Romeoville if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Rockford grew 3.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Romeoville over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$127,240 (2021) → $131,530 (2025)
Romeoville, IL
$125,469 (2024) → $126,928 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Romeoville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Rockford or Romeoville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Romeoville?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Romeoville as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Rockford vs Romeoville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov