Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Illinois

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

Median annual salary $30,110 -12% vs national
Median hourly $14.47
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $34,610
Employed locally 560
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Northwest Illinois
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $29,240
    50th (median)
    $30,110
    75th
    $31,500
    90th
    $34,610

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    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 Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois is $14.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.17 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwest Illinois is 12% below the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,240.