Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $57,990. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Champaign-Urbana, IL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,330.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Champaign-Urbana, IL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns-10.3%below the national average.
$27.9
$1,115
$4,833
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Champaign-Urbana, IL have shown healthy growth of 11.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Champaign-Urbana, IL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $32,680, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $81,330.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,680 | $15.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,493 | $20.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $51,960 | $25 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,488 | $34.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $81,330 | $39.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Champaign-Urbana, IL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,990 to $57,990.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.792
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Champaign-Urbana, IL has 0.67x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
80 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Champaign-Urbana, IL.
Only 0.792 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $44,650↓ 23% | 41 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,460↓ 15% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,800↓ 0% | 41 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,040↑ 0% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $57,990. This typically ranges from $32,680 for entry-level positions to $81,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 10.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $57,990 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Champaign-Urbana, IL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($44,650) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 0.792 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL