Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,810, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This slight premium is often dictated by the dynamic culinary scene and higher operational costs inherent to a major metropolitan hub like Chicago.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,560.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 47,100 individuals employed as Cooks, and a Location Quotient of 1.12, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a robust demand for these culinary professionals. A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs locally compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+2.9%above the national average.
$18.7
$746
$3,234
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. The demand for skilled kitchen staff in a major city likely contributes to upward pressure on wages.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the career advancement opportunities and increased responsibilities associated with more experienced cooks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,900 | $14.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,108 | $14 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,090 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,513 | $23.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,560 | $22.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,810 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 a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly higher, the cost of living does not significantly diminish its real value.
Job Market Context
47,100
Total Jobs
10.528
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.12 for Cooks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN signifies that this metropolitan area has about 12% more cooks per worker than the national average. This indicates a slightly more concentrated job market, implying a competitive environment but also a strong presence and demand for culinary talent within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 15% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,360↓ 4% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,840↓ 10% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,530↓ 8% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,510↓ 9% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $38,810. This typically ranges from $30,900 for entry-level positions to $46,560 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 2.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, moderately so.Cooks in this area earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a stable, if not exceptionally lucrative, market.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($32,950) and Kenosha, WI.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Chicago?
Experience is a key driver of salary for cooks. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn significantly more, reflecting their value and responsibilities.
What is the job outlook for cooks in Chicago?
The job outlook is positive, with a substantial local workforce and a Location Quotient above the national average, indicating a strong demand for cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area.
Does the cost of living impact a cook's salary in Chicago?
The cost of living in Chicago is at the national average, meaning the slightly higher average salary for cooks effectively maintains their purchasing power compared to the national standard.
How many jobs per 1,000 workers are available for cooks in Chicago?
There are approximately 10.528 jobs per 1,000 workers for cooks in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, highlighting the prevalence of these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 47,100 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 10.528 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN