SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kankakee, IL

Cooks in Kankakee, Illinois, earn an average annual salary of $34,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially the cost of doing business in the region influence compensation for this vital role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,050.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 410 individuals in this role, Kankakee demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base for cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, implying a consistent demand that aligns with broader market trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,840

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kankakee, IL earns-7.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$670

Monthly

$2,903

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kankakee, IL

Salary progression for Cooks in Kankakee, IL, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary expertise or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting substantial career advancement.

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)$26,130$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,430$16.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,550$20.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,050$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,840

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $34,840 in Kankakee aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Kankakee is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

410

Total Jobs

9.702

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, Kankakee, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that Kankakee has a slightly higher concentration of Cook positions relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, stable job market for cooks, with demand closely mirroring national trends and potentially offering good opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,810↑ 11%55 mi
Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,950↓ 5%66 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,060↑ 1%72 mi
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,420↓ 7%72 mi
Bloomington, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,120↑ 1%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Kankakee, IL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kankakee, IL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kankakee, IL is $34,840. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $45,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kankakee, IL is 7.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Kankakee, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $34,840 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. The job market is stable with a concentration slightly above the national average.

Is Kankakee, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Kankakee, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kankakee, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($38,810) and Michigan City-La Porte, IN.

How does Kankakee's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for cooks in Kankakee, IL is $34,840, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the job market like for cooks in Kankakee?

Kankakee has a total local workforce of 410 cooks and a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating a job market concentration very close to the national average, suggesting stable demand.

Does the cost of living in Kankakee affect the cook salary?

The cost of living in Kankakee is at the national average (100), meaning the $34,840 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary benchmark.

How many cooks are employed per 1,000 workers in Kankakee?

There are approximately 9.702 cooks employed per 1,000 workers in Kankakee, IL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Kankakee, IL area with a job density of 9.702 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 Kankakee, IL