Average Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Illinois
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $44,270, surpassing the national average of $41,930. This higher compensation in Illinois can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's industrial landscape and the specific demands of its food processing sector. Local economic conditions and the cost of doing business often influence wage structures for specialized roles like this.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 920 individuals in this role, Illinois demonstrates a notable presence in the Food Cooking Machine Operator field. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. This balance implies consistent demand for skilled operators within the state's food production infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois earns+5.6%above the national average.
$21.3
$851
$3,689
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Illinois is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation. Increased automation and evolving food safety standards likely contribute to a sustained demand for qualified professionals, potentially driving wage increases.
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with greater responsibility. As operators gain experience and develop specialized skills, their earning potential increases significantly. The salary distribution across different experience levels, often reflected in percentile gaps, clearly signifies this career trajectory and the rewards associated with advanced expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,830 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,203 | $16 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $42,890 | $20.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,338 | $26.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $53,000 | $25.5 |
Detailed Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,224
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $44,270 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 purchasing power of this salary is likely higher than the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle relative to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
0.152
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.85x the national average concentration of Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Illinois's Location Quotient of 0.85 for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, there isn't an overwhelming surplus of these specialized workers compared to the overall U.S. workforce, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois is $44,270. This typically ranges from $35,830 for entry-level positions to $53,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 5.6% higher than the national median of $41,930.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Yes, Illinois offers a slightly more lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary in Illinois ($44,270) exceeds the national average ($41,930), and the lower cost of living enhances purchasing power.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.152 jobs per 1,000 workers, Illinois's rate is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the general workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 0.85 means that Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders are 15% less concentrated in Illinois compared to the national average. This indicates a balanced market where demand is present but not overly saturated.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average. This means the $44,270 salary provides greater purchasing power for residents compared to living in a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Illinois?
There are approximately 920 Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders employed in Illinois, representing a significant segment of the state's food processing labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.152 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois