Belleville vs Rockford: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Belleville, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Belleville, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,228 | $61,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.48 | $29.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,474▲ | $41,849 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,451 | $48,991▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,393 | $79,496▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,804▲ | $83,439 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Belleville.
The salary gap between Belleville and Rockford is $2,567 (4.33%). Rockford's median is -5.07% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Belleville spans $47,330,Rockford spans $41,590. Belleville 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 ($67,056 effective) pays 9.93% more than Belleville ($60,997 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Belleville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,804)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,795/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,056)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Belleville grew -3.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Belleville, IL
$59,274 (2024) → $57,220 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$43,650 (2019) → $59,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Belleville, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Belleville or Rockford?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov