AmericaByNumbers.com

Chef Salary in Illinois

How much does a Chef make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$61,450
Median Annual Salary
$63,360
Mean Salary
$61,450
Median Salary
$29.54
Hourly Rate
5,540 people work as Chef in Illinois

About This Job: Chef

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Top Skills

Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (51.7% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Chef in Illinois

Salaries for Chef in Illinois range from $35,290 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $95,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,960 and $78,520.

Median $61,450
P10: $35,290 P25: $45,960 P75: $78,520 P90: $95,830
10th
$35,290
25th
$45,960
Median
$61,450
75th
$78,520
90th
$95,830
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $35,290 $16.97 $2,940
25th Percentile $45,960 $22.10 $3,830
Median (50th) $61,450 $29.54 $5,120
75th Percentile $78,520 $37.75 $6,543
90th Percentile (Experienced) $95,830 $46.07 $7,985

Note: The mean (average) salary of $63,360 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

🚀 What To Do Next

Some links may be affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

What does this salary really buy? See Chef salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

Chef Salary by State

Compare Chef pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Chef in Illinois is $61,450 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $63,360.
What is the salary range for a Chef in Illinois?
Salaries for Chef in Illinois range from $35,290 at the 10th percentile to $95,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $45,960 and $78,520.
What is the starting salary for a Chef in Illinois?
Entry-level Chef positions in Illinois typically start around $35,290 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,960 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chef in Illinois?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 5,540 people are employed as Chef in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Chef in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chef in Illinois is approximately $29.54 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS