In the bustling Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $36,470. This figure is slightly above the national average of $35,960, indicating a modest premium for roles within this dynamic region. Local economic factors and the high concentration of hospitality businesses likely contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,200.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area supports a substantial workforce of 380,790 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and robust job market that closely mirrors national employment patterns for this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+1.4%above the national average.
$17.5
$701
$3,039
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements in skill and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $27,353 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,000 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,588 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,200 | $22.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal average salary of $36,470 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
380,790
Total Jobs
85.116
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.96x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.96 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN indicates that the industry's presence in the region is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without an overwhelming abundance or scarcity of these roles compared to other areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,250↓ 17% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,960↓ 12% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,470↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,930↓ 15% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,190↓ 4% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $36,470. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $47,200 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 1.4% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Moderately so.The average salary of $36,470 is slightly above the national average, and the Cost of Living is exactly at the national average, making it a stable, albeit not exceptionally lucrative, market.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($30,250) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $36,470 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.96, meaning the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $36,470 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size imply for job seekers?
With 380,790 workers in this sector, the market is substantial, indicating consistent opportunities but also a competitive environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380,790 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 85.116 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 Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN