Arlington Heights vs Rockford: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $114,237 | $114,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.92 | $55.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,258▲ | $54,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,251▲ | $77,237 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,224 | $211,114▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,068 | $351,179▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Rockford is $271 (0.24%). Rockford's median is +5.50% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $110,810,Rockford spans $296,327. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($124,257 effective) pays 5.62% more than Arlington Heights ($117,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,179)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,257)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Arlington Heights grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$109,889 (2024) → $110,588 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$75,040 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors 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 financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Arlington Heights vs Rockford?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov