Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Rockford, IL
Waiters and waitresses in Rockford, Illinois, earn an average annual salary of $33,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Rockford.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,820 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Rockford, IL, indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not exceptionally high, the presence of over 13 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Rockford, IL earns-13.0%below the national average.
$16.1
$642
$2,783
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rockford's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in the service industry, like most professions, has seen incremental growth. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving economic conditions typically contribute to a gradual upward trend in average salaries over time.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Rockford, IL, is typically tied to experience and skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized service skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries would reveal significant gaps between the lowest and highest earners, reflecting these career advancement opportunities.
| 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) | $25,043 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,738 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,710 | $21.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,390 in Rockford, IL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Rockford is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
1,820
Total Jobs
13.079
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 0.88x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for waiters and waitresses in Rockford, IL, signifies that the employment concentration for this role is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within Rockford's overall labor market compared to national trends.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,880↓ 8% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $36,440↑ 9% | 59 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,230↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,850↓ 8% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $34,870↑ 4% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rockford, IL is $33,390. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $44,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 13.0% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Rockford, IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,390 is below the national average, and the job market concentration is also slightly lower than the national benchmark.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
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 ($30,880) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Rockford, IL, is $33,390, which is lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL for service workers?
Rockford, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of salaries is on par with the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Rockford, IL?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.88, indicating a slightly lower presence of waiters and waitresses relative to the national average.
How many waiter and waitress jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Rockford, IL?
There are approximately 13.079 jobs for waiters and waitresses per 1,000 workers in Rockford, IL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,820 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 13.079 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rockford, IL