Chef Salary in Rockford, IL
Chefs in Rockford, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $17.00 per hour, which translates to about $680.00 per week, $2,946.67 per month, and $35,360.00 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Rockford is positively growing at around 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in opportunities and need for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Rockford, IL?
The salary of a Chef in Rockford varies depending on experience and skill level, but the following breakdown offers an overview across different stages of a culinary career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Chefs in Rockford Earn Tips?
Chefs in Rockford generally do not earn tips as most of their work is performed in the kitchen and behind the scenes. Their compensation mainly comes from their salary or hourly wages rather than gratuity.
Chef Salary in Rockford vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $19.54 per hour, which is approximately $40,643.20 per year.
Compared to this, Chefs in Rockford, IL earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $17.00 and an annual salary of about $35,360.00. This can be influenced by local cost of living and market demand dynamics.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rockford for Chefs
Nearby areas to Rockford offer the following pay rates for Chefs:
- Downtown: $18.50 per hour
- East Rockford: $19.00 per hour
Chefs working in East Rockford tend to earn higher hourly wages, reflecting possibly more upscale establishments or higher competition for talent in that locality.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Rockford?
Several factors affect how much a Chef can earn in Rockford:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Chefs with specialized skills or years of experience in gourmet cooking can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in fine dining restaurants or hotels tends to offer more competitive salaries than casual dining or fast food.
- Education and Certifications: Formal training and credentials such as culinary degrees or certifications improve earning potential.
- Leadership Roles: Chefs who manage kitchen staff or run a kitchen have higher earning potential.
- Hours and Shift Patterns: Evening or weekend shifts can come with premium pay in some cases.
How To Become a Chef in Rockford
Starting a career as a Chef in Rockford generally involves important steps and preparation:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Rock Valley College Culinary Arts Program provides hands-on training and theoretical knowledge tailored for aspiring chefs. Additionally, Kendall College at National Louis University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts focusing on classic and contemporary techniques.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Acquiring certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential for compliance with health regulations.
- Obtain Advanced Culinary Credentials: The Certified Sous Chef (CSC) certification from the American Culinary Federation can help chefs prove competence and leadership skills.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Many Chefs start as line cooks or prep cooks to build their skills and advance.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Rockford
Some of the key employers seeking skilled Chefs in Rockford include:
- Hard Rock International
- Eurest
- Embassy Suites by Hilton
Establishments That Chefs in Rockford Work At
Chefs in Rockford find employment in a variety of establishments such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Tend to offer higher salaries due to the quality and complexity of cuisine prepared.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger kitchens with varied menus often pay competitive wages and provide benefits.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: May offer more stable but generally lower wages than upscale venues.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: Seasonal work with potential for good earnings depending on events.
The type and prestige of the establishment significantly influence the earning potential of Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rockford for Chef
If you are interested in culinary careers similar to Chef, you may also consider related jobs that complement or serve as career progression paths.
These include roles such as Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, each offering different responsibilities and pay scales within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Rockford
Chefs working in Rockford need to understand the relevant labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment conditions:
- Information on federal labor standards and wage laws can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Details on state-specific laws, including minimum wage and worker rights in Illinois, are available from the State of Illinois official website.