Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Illinois

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

Median annual salary $47,840 -21.6% vs national
Median hourly $23.00
10th percentile $39,070
90th percentile $96,840
Employed locally 80
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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South Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,070
    25th
    $45,160
    50th (median)
    $47,840
    75th
    $70,240
    90th
    $96,840

    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 South Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,630
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,120
    Cooks, Restaurant $33,520
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,360
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $32,040
    Bartenders $29,120

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Illinois is $23.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.36 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in South Illinois is 21.6% 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 South Illinois?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $39,070 per year in South Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,160.