SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Rockford, IL

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Rockford, Illinois, earn an average annual salary of $31,420. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a role in compensation. While the difference is modest, it indicates a stable pay environment for these essential food service professionals within the Rockford area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,710.
  • Outlook: Rockford, IL supports a local workforce of 430 Cooks, Fast Food, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 3.076. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Rockford compared to the national average. This suggests a moderate but stable demand for fast-food cooks, with a workforce size that aligns with the needs of the local market without significant oversupply or undersupply.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,420

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL earns+0.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.1

Weekly

$604

Monthly

$2,618

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL

For Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL, experience significantly influences earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and advanced skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the fast-food service sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,565$11.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,360$14.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,275$18.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,710$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,420

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,420 for Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by fast-food cooks in Rockford offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

430

Total Jobs

3.076

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rockford, IL has 0.71x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, there isn't an exceptionally high density of these roles relative to other occupations in the area. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities are available but not overwhelmingly abundant.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,880↓ 14%30 mi
Madison, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,950↓ 11%59 mi
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$33,170↑ 6%78 mi

Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Rockford, IL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL is $31,420. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $36,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 0.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, but it is competitive.While the average salary slightly exceeds the national average, the pay is not considered highly lucrative. However, the stable job market and cost of living alignment suggest a competitive environment for these roles.

Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($26,880) and Madison, WI.

How does Rockford's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL is $31,420, which is slightly higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Rockford, IL for fast-food cooks?

Rockford, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary is on par with the national average.

How concentrated is the fast-food cook job market in Rockford, IL?

The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL is 0.71, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.

What is the total local workforce for Cooks, Fast Food in Rockford, IL?

There are approximately 430 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Rockford, IL area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 3.076 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rockford, IL