Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Northwest Illinois

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

Median annual salary $49,990 -18% vs national
Median hourly $24.03
10th percentile $37,030
90th percentile $88,880
Employed locally 100
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
in
Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,030
    25th
    $40,480
    50th (median)
    $49,990
    75th
    $74,910
    90th
    $88,880

    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 Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,720
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,120
    Bartenders $29,120
    Cooks, Restaurant $32,850
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,620
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,950

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Illinois is $24.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.18 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Northwest Illinois is 18% 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 Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $37,030 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,480.