Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Rockford, IL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Rockford, IL, earn an average annual salary of $34,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Rockford contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local factors is crucial for assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,690.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this specific role, Rockford presents a moderately sized employment base for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Rockford compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand that may offer stable employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rockford, IL earns-10.5%below the national average.
$16.4
$657
$2,845
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rockford's institutional cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages for most professions, including culinary roles, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain workforce competitiveness.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The variance in earnings across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $25,605 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,070 | $15.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,675 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,690 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,140 in Rockford aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Rockford is comparable to the national average, indicating that the nominal salary effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
4.965
Per 1K Jobs
1.71
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Rockford's Location Quotient of 1.71 signifies a job market where Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, but also indicates a strong presence and consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,790↑ 14% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,400↑ 21% | 59 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,650↑ 13% | 65 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,160↑ 15% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,780↑ 17% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rockford, IL is $34,140. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $42,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 10.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,140 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are average, the earning potential is somewhat diminished.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($38,790) and Madison, WI.
How does the Rockford cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rockford, IL is $34,140, which is approximately $3,990 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.71 mean for cooks in Rockford?
A Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates that Rockford has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Rockford affect the cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Rockford's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $34,140 salary has average purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Rockford?
There are approximately 690 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 690 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 4.965 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Rockford, IL
- All Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Production Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Management Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Rockford, IL
- Browse All Jobs in Rockford, IL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rockford, IL