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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$34,850
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.0% vs 2024
$36,260
Mean Salary
$34,850
Median Salary
$16.75
Hourly Rate
34,820 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Illinois
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earn a median salary of $34,850 per year ($2,904/month).
This is 3.7% above the national average of $33,596.
Illinois ranks #25 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 34,820 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 2.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in Illinois
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $37,880.
Median $34,850
P10: $31,200P25: $31,200P75: $37,880P90: $44,990
10th
$31,200
25th
$31,200
Median
$34,850
75th
$37,880
90th
$44,990
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
25th Percentile
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
Median (50th)
$34,850
$16.75
$2,904
75th Percentile
$37,880
$18.21
$3,156
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$44,990
$21.63
$3,749
Note: The mean (average) salary of $36,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois is $34,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $36,260.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $44,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $37,880.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Illinois typically start around $31,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $31,200 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 34,820 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois is approximately $16.75 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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