Rockford vs Waukegan: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Rockford, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,616▲ | $57,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.10▲ | $27.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,803 | $39,425▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,825▲ | $44,866 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,968▲ | $73,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,229▲ | $89,604 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Rockford and Waukegan is $4,807 (8.32%). 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 Rockford spans $59,426,Waukegan spans $50,179. 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 ($67,947 effective) pays 14.13% more than Waukegan ($59,536 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 ($62,616/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
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Rockford grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.3% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$52,500 (2019) → $61,358 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$66,123 (2024) → $56,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Rockford or Waukegan?
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What do entry-level school counselors earn in Rockford vs Waukegan?
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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