Creative & Education Rockford, IL
Pop. 148,655
Chef Salary in Rockford, Illinois
The median chef salary in Rockford, IL is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.
City Median
$46,346
vs State Avg
$-7,348
vs National
$-10,174
Cost of Living
82%
Chef Salary in Rockford by Experience
In Rockford, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL
| Percentile | Rockford |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,224 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,604 |
| Median (50th) | $46,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,196 |
Chef Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Chef in Rockford
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Rockford
Browse open chef positions in Rockford, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Rockford
How much does a Chef make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median chef salary in Rockford, Illinois is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $80,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,346, a chef in Rockford earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for chef pay? ▼
Rockford's median chef salary of $46,346 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $53,694. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $46,346 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Rockford? ▼
Most chef positions in Rockford require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.