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Legal Secretary Salary in Rockford, IL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Rockford's cost of living (index: 83). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Legal Secretary Salary in Rockford β€” Key Numbers

$43,160
Median Salary
$32,204
25th Percentile
$56,938
75th Percentile
$71,795
90th Percentile
National median (Legal Secretary)$52,000
vs. National median-17.0%
Rockford median household income$51,000
vs. City household income-15.4%

Cost of Living in Rockford

Cost of Living Index
83(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$780/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.7%
Annual rent cost$9,360
Median Home Price$145,000
Home Price / Salary3.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$29,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Rockford

5.6%
Unemployment Rate
345,000
Metro Population
20 min
Avg Commute
36.1
Median Age

Rockford has a metro population of 345,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Legal Secretary Salary β€” Other Illinois Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Secretary make in Rockford, IL?

The estimated median salary for a Legal Secretary in Rockford is $43,160 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $52,000 adjusted by Rockford's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $32,204 (25th percentile) to $56,938 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $71,795.

Is Rockford affordable for a Legal Secretary?

On a $43,160 annual salary, a Legal Secretary in Rockford would spend approximately 21.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($780/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Rockford relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $145,000 is 3.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Legal Secretary's salary compare to Rockford's overall income?

Rockford's median household income is $51,000. A Legal Secretary earning the city-adjusted median of $43,160 earns 15.4% less than the typical Rockford household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Rockford has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.