Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Fast Food Cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,170. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher demand contribute to this elevated compensation. The specific economic landscape of this major metropolitan region plays a crucial role in shaping the pay scales for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,330.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area supports a substantial workforce of 11,460 Fast Food Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating that while the absolute number of positions is significant, the industry is not disproportionately represented compared to other regions. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for this occupation within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+6.6%above the national average.
$16
$638
$2,764
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Chicago is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Fast Food Cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to a gradual upward trend in compensation for service industry positions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks, shift leaders, or those with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food sector, rewarding dedication and proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,470 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,878 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,780 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,463 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,330 | $18.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,170 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
11,460
Total Jobs
2.563
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.59x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food 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 0.59, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market, while substantial in absolute numbers, is relatively less saturated with this specific occupation when benchmarked against the rest of the country. This could imply a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,480↓ 14% | 41 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,470↓ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $33,170. This typically ranges from $29,470 for entry-level positions to $39,330 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 6.6% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Moderately so.The average salary is slightly above the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, offering comparable purchasing power. The job market concentration is below the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($28,480) and Kankakee, IL.
How does experience affect a Fast Food Cook's salary in Chicago?
Experience is a key driver of salary for Fast Food Cooks. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages, while cooks with several years of experience, supervisory skills, or specialized training can earn significantly more, reflecting their value to employers.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Chicago?
A Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation exists, it doesn't dominate the local job market proportionally.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $33,170 for Fast Food Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is approximately $2,040 higher than the national average of $31,130, representing a modest but positive difference.
Is the cost of living a factor for Fast Food Cooks in Chicago?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100, which is the national average. This means that the slightly higher nominal salary effectively translates to a similar purchasing power as the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,460 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 2.563 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN