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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Illinois

Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $35,820, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors specific to the Illinois job market, including regional demand and operational costs that influence wage structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,610.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 29,320 individuals, the demand for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois appears robust. The location quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not oversaturated market, which is generally favorable for job seekers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,820

The average Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earns+5.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.2

Weekly

$689

Monthly

$2,985

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, individuals can expect their salaries to rise, with significant percentile gaps between junior and senior staff reflecting the value of accumulated skills and responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$26,865$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,180$16.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,775$21.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,610$21.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,020

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The nominal average annual salary of $35,820 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, indicates that the purchasing power of an Illinois-based Food Preparation Worker's salary is likely higher than in many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

29,320

Total Jobs

4.833

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.84x 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.

A location quotient of 0.84 for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois signifies that the concentration of these jobs is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market is not disproportionately saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and workers seeking opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,210↓ 7%9 mi
Decatur, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$32,620↓ 9%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$34,020↓ 5%41 mi
Peoria, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,500↓ 6%43 mi
Springfield, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,320↓ 7%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois is $35,820. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $44,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 5.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Illinois offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary in Illinois is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, suggesting better purchasing power for workers.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,210) and Decatur, IL.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earn an average of $35,820 annually, which is $2,010 more than the national average of $33,810.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?

The location quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois is 0.84, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

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 (100), meaning the $35,820 salary can potentially offer a higher standard of living.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?

There are approximately 29,320 Food Preparation Workers employed in Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 29,320 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 4.833 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois