Evanston vs Rockford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Evanston, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,279▲ | $132,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.08▲ | $63.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,192 | $101,815▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,941▲ | $113,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,499▲ | $138,726 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,114▲ | $154,647 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Evanston, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Evanston and Rockford is $1,153 (0.87%). Evanston's median is -2.62% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evanston spans $81,922,Rockford spans $52,832. Evanston 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 4.46% more than Evanston ($137,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evanston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,114)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓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 Evanston grew 4.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Evanston, IL
$123,591 (2024) → $128,834 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$113,780 (2019) → $127,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evanston, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Evanston or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evanston and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Evanston to Rockford as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Evanston vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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