salary$36,200 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Rockford, IL area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,200per year
Top pay (top 10%)$44,320per year
Jobs in the area1,130people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Rockford?
Expensive. Rent of $1,218 a month takes 40.4% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Rockford, IL?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Rockford, IL area is $36,200 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $31,200 and $44,320.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Rockford?
Typical rent of $1,218 a month takes 40.4% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Rockford, IL metro area.