Calumet City vs Rockford: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Calumet City, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Calumet City, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,742 | $62,616▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.32 | $30.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,939▲ | $34,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,210 | $46,825▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,192 | $81,968▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,849 | $94,229▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Calumet City.
The salary gap between Calumet City and Rockford is $7,874 (14.38%). Rockford's median is -2.67% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Calumet City spans $44,910,Rockford spans $59,426. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($67,947 effective) pays 20.52% more than Calumet City ($56,377 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Calumet City if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,616/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,229)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,947)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Calumet City grew -14.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Calumet City, IL
$62,615 (2024) → $53,642 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$52,500 (2019) → $61,358 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Calumet City, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Calumet City or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Calumet City and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Calumet City to Rockford as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Calumet City vs Rockford?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov