Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in West Central Illinois

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

Median annual salary $39,070 -35.9% vs national
Median hourly $18.79
10th percentile $32,220
90th percentile $64,500
Employed locally 160
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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West Central Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $32,220
    25th
    $36,490
    50th (median)
    $39,070
    75th
    $45,300
    90th
    $64,500

    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 West Central Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,790
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,120
    Cooks, Restaurant $31,420
    Bartenders $29,120
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,780
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $32,910

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in West Central Illinois is $18.79, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.03 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in West Central Illinois is 35.9% 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 West Central Illinois?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $32,220 per year in West Central Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,490.