Hospitality & Tourism Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Restaurant Manager Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median restaurant manager salary in Rockford, IL is $50,840 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$50,840
vs State Avg
$-8,060
vs National
$-11,160
Cost of Living
82%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median restaurant manager salary of $50,840, which is $8,060 below the Illinois state average of $58,900. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $50,840 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Rockford spans from $31,160 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $49,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $32,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-16,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $31,160
25th Percentile $39,360
Median (50th) $50,840
75th Percentile $65,600
90th Percentile $80,360

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$66,960
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$66,340
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$58,900
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$52,700
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Rockford

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Rockford

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Rockford

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Rockford, Illinois is $50,840 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $31,160 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,840, a restaurant manager in Rockford earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Rockford's median restaurant manager salary of $50,840 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $58,900. 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 restaurant manager salary of $50,840 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Rockford? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Rockford require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.