Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $65,290. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demands of the region's vibrant culinary scene likely contribute to this slightly elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,150.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,470 Chefs and Head Cooks, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a substantial presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.999) points to a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals in this market.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+0.9%above the national average.
$31.4
$1,256
$5,441
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in skilled professions. This growth is often driven by inflation, increased demand for dining experiences, and the need to attract and retain experienced talent in a competitive market.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and management skills can expect to earn considerably more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles of the $65,290 average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,290 | $17 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $48,968 | $23.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $63,570 | $30.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $81,613 | $39.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $99,150 | $47.7 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,290 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal earnings effectively translate to a standard of living that is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
4,470
Total Jobs
0.999
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.84x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average. However, with nearly one job per thousand workers, the market is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. This equilibrium implies a healthy level of competition without excessive scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,620↓ 7% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,020↓ 19% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,820↓ 5% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,750↓ 7% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $65,290. This typically ranges from $35,290 for entry-level positions to $99,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 0.9% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, with a stable outlook.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par, offering good purchasing power. The consistent job availability further supports its appeal.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kenosha, WI ($60,620) and Kankakee, IL.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $65,290, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The cost of living index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?
There are approximately 4,470 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks competitive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The market is moderately competitive, with a Location Quotient of 0.84, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average but still a solid presence of professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,470 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.999 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN