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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Illinois

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Illinois earn an average annual salary of $32,560. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a modest premium for this role within the state. Factors such as the overall economic landscape and demand for quick-service dining experiences likely contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,970.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 16,320 Cooks, Fast Food, Illinois presents a significant employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests that while the role is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially stable or growing demand relative to the overall job market. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these essential service roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,560

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Illinois earns+4.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$626

Monthly

$2,713

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While exact figures vary, individuals starting out might earn closer to the lower percentiles, whereas senior cooks or shift leaders can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the tangible financial rewards of gaining experience and taking on greater responsibility within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,420$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,580$15.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,700$19.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,970$18.7

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,468

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $32,560 in Illinois for Cooks, Fast Food aligns favorably with the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively good purchasing power within Illinois. Residents may find that their earnings stretch further compared to living in areas with a higher cost of living, making the state an economically viable location for this profession.

Job Market Context

16,320

Total Jobs

2.691

Per 1K Jobs

0.62

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.62x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Cooks, Fast Food in Illinois indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid workforce, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers. Employers might need to actively recruit to fill positions, which could lead to more opportunities or slightly better negotiation power for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Decatur, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,800↓ 5%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,310↓ 4%41 mi
Peoria, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$31,310↓ 4%43 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Illinois is $32,560. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $38,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 4.6% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, relatively.Illinois offers an average salary slightly above the national average, coupled with a cost of living that is below the national average. This combination provides a favorable economic standing for fast-food cooks.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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 Decatur, IL ($30,800) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Illinois?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Illinois is $32,560.

How does Illinois' cost of living compare to the national average?

Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100, indicating a more affordable cost of living.

Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks strong in Illinois?

With a workforce of 16,320 and nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market shows consistent demand, although the concentration (Location Quotient of 0.62) is lower than the national average.

Does experience impact salary for Fast Food Cooks in Illinois?

Yes, experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher wages, reflected in salary percentile differences.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,320 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 2.691 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois