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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Illinois

Cooks in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $37,840, a figure slightly above the national average of $37,700. This parity suggests that while Illinois offers competitive compensation, the specific economic landscape and demand within the state play a significant role in determining pay rates for this essential culinary role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,440.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 61,630 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.08, Illinois demonstrates a robust and slightly more concentrated job market for Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for culinary professionals, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for those in this field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,840

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois earns+0.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.2

Weekly

$728

Monthly

$3,153

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Illinois

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with developing expertise in the culinary arts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,790$14.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,380$13.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,630$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,300$22.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,440$22.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,220

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $37,840 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considered against 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 strong purchasing power, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with potentially more disposable income compared to living in higher-cost areas.

Job Market Context

61,630

Total Jobs

10.162

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.08 for Cooks, Restaurant indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is proportionally higher in Illinois relative to the overall workforce, making the market competitive but also indicative of ample opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,120↓ 7%9 mi
Decatur, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,030↓ 7%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,060↓ 7%41 mi
Peoria, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,970↓ 8%43 mi
Springfield, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,350↓ 7%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois is $37,840. This typically ranges from $29,790 for entry-level positions to $46,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 0.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for Cooks, Restaurant.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national index, providing good purchasing power. The concentrated job market also indicates strong demand.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($35,120) and Decatur, IL.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Illinois?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Illinois is $37,840.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Illinois ($37,840) is slightly higher than the national average ($37,700).

Is the cost of living in Illinois high for cooks?

No, the Cost of Living Index in Illinois is 91.8, which is below the national average of 100, making it relatively affordable.

How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois?

Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.08, indicating a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 61,630 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 10.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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