Creative & Education Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Chef Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median chef salary in Chicago, IL is $60,476 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$60,476
vs State Avg
+$6,782
vs National
+$3,956
Cost of Living
107%
Chef Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level chef earns around $37,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,450
+$2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,920
+$3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,160
+$6,160 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,154 |
| Median (50th) | $60,476 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,646 |
Chef Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Chef in Chicago
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Chicago
Browse open chef positions in Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Chicago
How much does a Chef make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median chef salary in Chicago, Illinois is $60,476 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $35,524 (10th percentile) to $104,646 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,476, a chef in Chicago earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for chef pay? ▼
Chicago's median chef salary of $60,476 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $53,694. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $60,476 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Chicago? ▼
Most chef positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.