Bakers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $36,970 +0.9% vs national
Median hourly $17.78
10th percentile $30,990
90th percentile $47,000
Employed locally 8,780
National median $36,650

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    In Chicago and the surrounding Illinois-Indiana metropolitan area, a typical baker earns an annual salary of approximately $36,970, with a median hourly wage of $17.78. When compared to local household incomes, this figure is notably lower than the area's median household income of $88,850. Nationally, the median salary for bakers stands at $36,650, indicating that earnings in this region are slightly above the national average. Despite this modest premium, the baker’s median salary represents a significant disparity from local household figures, highlighting the potential challenges faced by individuals relying solely on this occupation to support their families within a higher cost-of-living urban environment.

    The earning trajectory for bakers demonstrates a noticeable difference between entry-level and experienced workers. At the lower end of the scale, those in the 10th percentile earn approximately $30,990 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make around $34,300 per year. Experienced bakers who fall into the higher echelons of earnings, specifically the 75th and 90th percentiles, see annual salaries rise to about $40,360 and $47,000 respectively. This disparity is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, skill level, geographic location within the region, and opportunities for advancement or specialization in high-demand areas. Additional earnings can also be influenced by shifts towards more specialized baking roles or positions that demand unique expertise, thereby enhancing an individual's earning potential over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,990
    25th
    $34,300
    50th (median)
    $36,970
    75th
    $40,360
    90th
    $47,000

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Bakers salary vs area income 42% Median Bakers salary is 58% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Bakers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Bakers in Chicago, IL-IN is $17.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.89 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Bakers salaries?

    The median Bakers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 0.9% above the national median of $36,650. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Bakers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Bakers (10th percentile) earn around $30,990 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,300.