Arlington Heights vs Rockford: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,933 | $110,525▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.93 | $53.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,815▲ | $66,365 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,493▲ | $80,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,594 | $135,904▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,197▲ | $162,245 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Rockford is $4,592 (4.33%). Rockford's median is -7.06% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $96,382,Rockford spans $95,880. Arlington Heights 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 ($119,935 effective) pays 9.93% more than Arlington Heights ($109,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,197)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,525/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,935)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Arlington Heights grew -9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$112,756 (2024) → $102,430 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$83,000 (2019) → $106,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Arlington Heights or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Rockford as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Arlington Heights vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov