Server Salary in Rockford, IL
Servers in Rockford, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $15.00 per hour, which translates to about $600.00 per week, $2,600.00 per month, and $31,200.00 per year.
The demand for Servers in Rockford is growing steadily at about 5% per year, showing a positive outlook and expanding opportunities within the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Server Make in Rockford, IL?
The salary of a Server in Rockford can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is a general overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.00 | $360.00 | $1,560.00 | $18,720.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $12.00 | $480.00 | $2,080.00 | $24,960.00 |
Do Servers in Rockford Earn Tips?
Servers generally earn tips and can make an additional approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Server Salary in Rockford vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of around $17.60 per hour, which translates to about $36,608 per year.
Compared to this, Servers in Rockford earn slightly less on average at $15.00 per hour and $31,200 per year. This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and demand factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rockford for Servers
Nearby areas offer varying pay rates for Servers:
- Downtown Rockford: $15.50 per hour
- East Rockford: $17.60 per hour
Servers employed in East Rockford tend to earn more, making it a potentially lucrative area to seek employment.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Rockford?
Experience is a major factor, with more seasoned Servers commanding higher wages backed by proven skills and customer rapport.
Type of Establishment highly influences pay; upscale or fine dining restaurants usually offer better salaries and tips compared to fast casual or chain restaurants.
Skills such as multitasking, customer service, and knowledge of alcoholic beverages can boost earning potential.
Shift Timings may also impact earnings as evening or weekend shifts might yield higher tips and sometimes higher pay rates.
How To Become a Server in Rockford
Entering the Server profession in Rockford can be streamlined by following some key steps.
Complete required certifications such as the Illinois Food Handler Certification to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Obtain BASSET Certification, which is mandatory in Illinois for Servers who serve alcohol, emphasizing responsible service and alcohol laws.
Consider enrolling in hospitality and culinary training programs like the Rock Valley College Culinary Arts Program or the Rockford Career College Hospitality Management Program to build foundational skills and knowledge.
Gain practical experience through entry-level positions to develop necessary skills and improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Rockford
Several prominent employers actively hire Servers in Rockford, including:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Olive Garden
- Giovanni’s Ristorante Italiano
Establishments That Servers in Rockford Work At
Servers in Rockford find work in a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues often provide consistent schedules and moderate earnings, sometimes supplemented by tips.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Usually have quicker service with lower average pay, but offer higher volume and tip potential.
- Fine Dining: Servers here earn higher wages and tips due to the upscale nature of the service and clientele.
- Bars and Pubs: These typically have lively atmospheres where Servers can earn substantial tips, especially during busy hours.
The type and prestige of the establishment significantly impact the overall salary and tip income.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rockford for Servers
If you are interested in roles similar to Server, consider these related careers that share common skills and work environments.
The roles listed include Fine Dining Server, Bartender, and Backwaiter, which involve similar hospitality tasks and offer alternative career paths within food service.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Rockford
Servers in Rockford need to be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax responsibilities.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal labor laws and workplace regulations.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides resources on state labor laws and employment guidelines.
- For local ordinances and government services, check the City of Rockford official website.