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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Cooks, Short Order in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,010. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $35,650, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand or operational costs, contribute to this elevated compensation. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a crucial role in shaping pay scales for these essential food service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,260.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,020 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.23 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average, implying a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 0.228 further reinforces this moderate presence in the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,010

The average Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+9.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.8

Weekly

$750

Monthly

$3,251

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential available within this profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,880$15.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,258$14.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,190$17.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,763$23.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,260$23.2

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $39,010 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 Short Order Cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

1,020

Total Jobs

0.228

Per 1K Jobs

0.23

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.23x, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

With a Location Quotient of 0.23, the market for Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within the region. Consequently, job seekers might find a moderate level of competition, with opportunities available but not overwhelmingly abundant compared to areas with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $39,010. This typically ranges from $31,880 for entry-level positions to $48,260 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 9.4% higher than the national median of $35,650.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Cooks, Short Order in this region earn approximately $3,360 more annually than the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay offers a comparable standard of living.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

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 ($28,410) and Kenosha, WI.

How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Short Order?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $39,010, which is $3,360 higher than the national average of $35,650.

What is the job market like for Cooks, Short Order in this area?

The job market is moderately present, with a local workforce of 1,020 and a Location Quotient of 0.23, indicating it's less concentrated than the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Short Order in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is at the national average (100). Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $39,010 translates to a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.23 mean for Cooks, Short Order jobs?

A Location Quotient of 0.23 signifies that the occupation of Cooks, Short Order is less prevalent in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.228 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.