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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Illinois

Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $63,360, which is slightly below the national average of $64,680. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's culinary sector. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,830.
  • Outlook: Illinois supports a substantial workforce of 5,540 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the state has a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers indicates consistent demand for culinary expertise across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,360

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois earns-2.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.5

Weekly

$1,218

Monthly

$5,280

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$47,520$22.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$61,450$29.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$79,200$38.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$95,830$46.1

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,020

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $63,360 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois is positioned against a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is notably lower than the national average of 100. This means that despite earning slightly less than the national average in nominal terms, the purchasing power of an Illinois-based chef's salary is likely to be higher, making the effective take-home pay more competitive.

Job Market Context

5,540

Total Jobs

0.914

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.77x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.77, Illinois has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and in demand, the market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,290↓ 6%9 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,990↓ 8%41 mi
Peoria, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,860↓ 4%43 mi
Springfield, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$53,250↓ 16%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois is $63,360. This typically ranges from $35,290 for entry-level positions to $95,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 2.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Illinois enhances the purchasing power of the $63,360 salary, making it relatively competitive.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($59,290) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.

How does the Illinois job market compare to the national average for Chefs?

Illinois has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks (LQ of 0.77) than the national average, indicating a stable job market with consistent demand.

What is the average number of Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers in Illinois?

There are approximately 0.914 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks in Illinois, reflecting the demand for these roles within the state.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect a Chef's salary?

Illinois's Cost of Living Index of 91.8 is below the national average, meaning the $63,360 salary offers greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Illinois?

Illinois employs a total of 5,540 Chefs and Head Cooks, representing a significant segment of the state's culinary workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,540 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.914 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois