Champaign vs Rockford: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Champaign, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,221▲ | $114,508 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.40▲ | $55.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,185▲ | $54,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,355 | $77,237▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,051 | $211,114▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $233,344 | $351,179▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Champaign and Rockford are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Champaign and Rockford is $713 (0.62%). Champaign's median is +6.16% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $177,159,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, Champaign ($124,289 effective) pays 0.03% more than Rockford ($124,257 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,221/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,289)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,179)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Champaign grew 46.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$76,370 (2019) → $111,540 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$75,040 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Champaign or Rockford?
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Should I relocate from Champaign to Rockford as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Champaign 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