Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Springfield, IL
Cooks in Springfield, Illinois earn an average annual salary of $35,350. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower cost of living contribute to this compensation. While not reaching the national benchmark, the pay reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Springfield area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,950.
- Outlook: Springfield, IL supports a robust local workforce of 1,050 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.09, the concentration of these roles in Springfield is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps growing demand for culinary talent within the city. The presence of over 10 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the job market's capacity for employment in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, IL earns-6.2%below the national average.
$17
$680
$2,946
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Springfield's cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive salary increases for essential roles like cooks. Therefore, it's probable that cooks in Springfield have seen modest but consistent growth in their earnings over the last four years, aligning with broader industry adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Springfield, IL
Salary progression for Cooks in Springfield, IL, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, likely falling in the lower percentiles of the $35,350 average. As cooks gain experience, refine their techniques, and potentially take on supervisory roles, their earning potential increases significantly, moving them into the mid-to-upper salary percentiles. These percentile gaps represent clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,160 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,513 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,240 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,188 | $21.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,950 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,350 in Springfield, IL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in Springfield holds its purchasing power at the national average. While the salary is slightly below the national average for the role, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay is relatively balanced against everyday expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
10.231
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Springfield, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, Springfield, IL demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks in Springfield is moderately competitive, with a demand that is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, national levels relative to the overall workforce. This concentration indicates a healthy presence of restaurants and food service establishments actively seeking culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,030↓ 1% | 39 mi |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,630↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,170↓ 3% | 53 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,810↓ 4% | 53 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,260↓ 3% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, IL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Springfield, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, IL is $35,350. This typically ranges from $29,160 for entry-level positions to $43,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, IL is 6.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Springfield, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately so, with a stable job market.Springfield, IL offers a salary slightly below the national average, but its cost of living is also at the national average, making purchasing power neutral. The job market shows a slightly higher concentration of cook roles than the national average, indicating steady demand.
Is Springfield, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($35,030) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Springfield, IL?
Experience is a key driver of salary for cooks. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
What is the job outlook for cooks in Springfield, IL?
The job outlook appears stable, with a slightly higher concentration of cook roles (LQ 1.09) and over 10 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent demand within the local food service industry.
Does the cost of living impact the cook salary in Springfield?
The cost of living in Springfield is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $35,350 salary has average purchasing power, balancing the slightly lower-than-national average pay.
How does Springfield's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average cook salary in Springfield, IL ($35,350) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700), by approximately $2,350 annually.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Springfield, IL area with a job density of 10.231 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 Springfield, IL