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Military Enlisted 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.

Military Enlisted Salary in Rockford β€” Key Numbers

$34,030
Median Salary
$24,485
25th Percentile
$47,144
75th Percentile
$61,420
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-17.0%
Rockford median household income$51,000
vs. City household income-33.3%

Cost of Living in Rockford

Cost of Living Index
83(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$780/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.5%
Annual rent cost$9,360
Median Home Price$145,000
Home Price / Salary4.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$29,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.3 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.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Illinois Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Rockford, IL?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Rockford is $34,030 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Rockford's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $24,485 (25th percentile) to $47,144 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $61,420.

Is Rockford affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $34,030 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Rockford would spend approximately 27.5% 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 4.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Rockford's overall income?

Rockford's median household income is $51,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $34,030 earns 33.3% 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.