SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rockford, IL

Cooks in Rockford, Illinois, can expect an average annual salary of $35,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Rockford's culinary scene. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary is set within the context of the local cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,500.
  • Outlook: Rockford, IL, supports a local workforce of 1,260 Cooks, Restaurant, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 9.073. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Rockford is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,520

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Rockford, IL earns-5.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.1

Weekly

$683

Monthly

$2,960

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL

Salary progression for Cooks in Rockford, IL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. These percentile gaps highlight clear career progression pathways.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,270$14.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,640$12.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,340$16.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,400$21.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,500$21.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,520 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 holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

1,260

Total Jobs

9.073

Per 1K Jobs

0.96

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rockford, IL has 0.96x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.96, Rockford's market for Cooks, Restaurant, is very close to the national average concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not exceptionally high or low compared to other regions, implying a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,770↑ 1%30 mi
Madison, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,900↑ 10%59 mi
Kenosha, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,360↑ 5%65 mi
Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,530↑ 0%71 mi
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,810↑ 9%78 mi

Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Rockford, IL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Rockford, IL is $35,520. This typically ranges from $29,270 for entry-level positions to $44,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 5.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,520 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.

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

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 ($35,770) and Madison, WI.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Rockford, IL?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Rockford, IL is $35,520.

How does Rockford's Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Rockford ($35,520) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700).

What is the Cost of Living in Rockford, IL?

Rockford, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Cook jobs in Rockford, IL?

The concentration of Cook jobs in Rockford, IL, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.96, very close to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 9.073 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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