Rockford vs Wheeling: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,525▲ | $105,080 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.14▲ | $50.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,365 | $68,212▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,740 | $83,333▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,904▲ | $134,502 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,245 | $162,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $5,445 (5.18%). 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 Rockford spans $95,880,Wheeling spans $94,662. 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 ($119,935 effective) pays 10.83% more than Wheeling ($108,218 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 ($110,525/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,935)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,874)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Rockford grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.2% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$83,000 (2019) → $106,870 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$111,848 (2024) → $101,605 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Rockford or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheeling as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Rockford vs Wheeling?
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