Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Cooks in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area earn an average annual salary of $35,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. While the pay may differ from national trends, understanding the local market dynamics is key for culinary professionals in this Illinois locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,360.
- Outlook: The Champaign-Urbana culinary job market demonstrates a healthy presence of restaurant cooks, with a total local workforce of 1,130 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for skilled cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns-7.0%below the national average.
$16.9
$674
$2,922
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Champaign-Urbana is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving culinary landscapes likely contribute to upward pressure on wages within the sector.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Career progression for Cooks in Champaign-Urbana typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and earning potential within the local restaurant industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $26,295 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,490 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,825 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,360 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,060 for Cooks in Champaign-Urbana aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
10.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Champaign-Urbana, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.15, Champaign-Urbana shows a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce for this profession, indicating a competitive yet accessible environment for individuals seeking employment as cooks in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,030↓ 0% | 39 mi |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,630↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,170↓ 3% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,810↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,260↓ 2% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $35,060. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 7.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,060 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential for the cost of living.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 Decatur, IL ($35,030) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in Champaign-Urbana compare to the national average?
Champaign-Urbana has 1,130 restaurant cooks, and with a Location Quotient of 1.15, the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average.
What is the average hourly wage for a cook in Champaign-Urbana?
Based on an average annual salary of $35,060 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a cook in Champaign-Urbana is around $16.86.
Are there many job openings for cooks in Champaign-Urbana?
With 10.839 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of employment for cooks is slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these roles.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Champaign-Urbana?
Experience significantly impacts a cook's salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher pay, reflecting career progression opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 10.839 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL