Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Food Preparation Workers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area earn an average annual salary of $36,560. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these essential roles. The specific dynamics of the Chicago metropolitan area's food service industry likely drive this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,830.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 24,090 Food Preparation Workers, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and robust demand for food preparation services within the region. The presence of 5.385 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+8.1%above the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,047
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Food Preparation Workers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a steady demand for food services typically correlate with upward pressure on wages in such roles, indicating a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The career path for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command higher wages than those just starting out. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries often signifies the value placed on acquired skills, efficiency, and responsibility within the food preparation industry.
| 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) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,020 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,700 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,830 | $21.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,560 for Food Preparation Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a balanced financial standing for individuals in this role within the metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
24,090
Total Jobs
5.385
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.93x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.93 for Food Preparation Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN suggests a job market that is closely aligned with national employment patterns for this occupation. While not indicating an oversupply or undersupply, it points to a competitive environment where the number of available positions is proportionate to the national distribution, requiring workers to possess relevant skills and experience to secure roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,680↓ 16% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,490↓ 8% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,050↓ 12% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,910↓ 15% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↓ 14% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $36,560. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $44,830 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 8.1% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, moderately so.Food Preparation Workers in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering good relative value.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($30,680) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The job market in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating a comparable concentration of these jobs.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Chicago?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is $36,560.
Is the cost of living high in Chicago for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is exactly at the national average (Index of 100), meaning your salary of $36,560 has average purchasing power.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs in Chicago?
Yes, with 24,090 workers and 5.385 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Chicago area has a significant and stable demand for Food Preparation Workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,090 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 5.385 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN