Restaurant Manager Salary in Rockford, IL
Restaurant Managers in Rockford, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $31.21 per hour, which translates to about $1,248.40 per week, $5,409.73 per month, and $64,916.80 per year.
The job market for Restaurant Managers in Rockford is experiencing positive growth at around 5% per year, indicating increasing demand and expanding opportunities in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in Rockford, IL?
Salary for Restaurant Managers in Rockford varies depending on experience, skills, and place of employment. Below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $24.42 | $976.80 | $4,219.20 | $50,841.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.62 | $1,104.80 | $4,782.13 | $57,329.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.90 | $1,596.00 | $6,910.00 | $82,992.00 |
Do Restaurant Managers in Rockford Earn Tips?
Typically, Restaurant Managers do not earn tips as part of their compensation. Their income primarily comes from a fixed salary or hourly wage. However, some may receive performance bonuses depending on the establishment.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Rockford, IL vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for a Restaurant Manager is about $31.21, with an annual salary around $64,916.80.
Rockford's average matches the national level closely, offering competitive pay for Restaurant Managers in the city. Earning potential aligns well with broader U.S. trends, reflecting a stable market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rockford for Restaurant Managers
Some of the highest-paying local areas for Restaurant Managers near Rockford include:
- Downtown Rockford: $32.50 per hour
- East Rockford: $31.75 per hour
Restaurant Managers working in Downtown Rockford enjoy the top wages locally, reflecting the busy commercial environment in the city center.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Rockford?
Experience and tenure significantly impact Restaurant Manager salaries; seasoned managers earn more than those new to the role.
Skills and certifications related to leadership, budgeting, and food safety can boost earning potential.
Type and size of establishment matter—managers at upscale restaurants or large chains often make higher wages than those in small or casual settings.
Location within Rockford also influences pay, as we saw with top-paying areas offering more.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in Rockford, IL
Becoming a Restaurant Manager in Rockford typically involves a combination of education, experience, and certifications.
Education programs like the Rock Valley College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational culinary industry knowledge relevant to management roles.
Northern Illinois University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program focuses on operational and managerial skills needed in hospitality.
Certifications such as the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification are essential to demonstrate food safety expertise and compliance.
Practical experience working in restaurant settings, often starting in supervisory roles, is also critical to gain the leadership skills required.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in Rockford, IL
- Panda Restaurant Group
- Areas, Inc.
- Texas Roadhouse
- Cracker Barrel
- Raising Cane's
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in Rockford Work At
Restaurant Managers are typically employed in a variety of settings including casual dining, fast casual restaurants, fine dining, and hotel restaurants.
The type of establishment affects salary levels. Fine dining and hotel restaurants usually offer higher wages due to the complexity and standards expected, while fast casual chains may offer lower salaries but provide more consistent work hours.
Managers in casual dining often handle a broad range of responsibilities, which can influence pay depending on the establishment's size and clientele.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rockford, IL for Restaurant Manager
If you are interested in careers similar to Restaurant Manager, consider roles that also involve managing hospitality operations and staff.
These related roles include Assistant Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and Bar Manager, each involving leadership within hospitality venues and sharing overlapping skills with Restaurant Managers.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in Rockford, IL
Understanding local and federal labor laws and tax regulations is vital for Restaurant Managers to ensure compliance and manage earnings effectively.
- Check the U.S. Department of Labor official website for federal laws on wages, overtime, and workplace safety.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides resources on state employment regulations and workforce development programs.
- Local business regulations and licensing requirements can be found on the City of Rockford official website.