Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in East Central Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $45,160 -26% vs national
Median hourly $21.71
10th percentile $37,960
90th percentile $70,240
Employed locally 60
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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East Central Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,960
    25th
    $40,480
    50th (median)
    $45,160
    75th
    $49,990
    90th
    $70,240

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in East Central Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $30,140
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,120
    Bartenders $29,120
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,960
    Cooks, Restaurant $33,200
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,840

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in East Central Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in East Central Illinois is $21.71, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.42 or more per hour.

    Is East Central Illinois above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in East Central Illinois is 26% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in East Central Illinois?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $37,960 per year in East Central Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,480.