Crystal Lake vs Rockford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,632 | $132,126▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.37 | $63.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,683▲ | $101,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,004▲ | $113,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,451▲ | $138,726 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,516▲ | $154,647 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Rockford is $4,494 (3.52%). Rockford's median is -3.46% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $63,833,Rockford spans $52,832. Crystal Lake 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 ($143,375 effective) pays 9.08% more than Crystal Lake ($131,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,516)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,126/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,375)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Crystal Lake grew 4.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$118,356 (2024) → $123,376 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$113,780 (2019) → $127,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Crystal Lake or Rockford?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov