Chef Salary in Springfield, Illinois
The median chef salary in Springfield, IL is $48,042 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.
Chef Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)
Springfield offers a median chef salary of $48,042, which is $5,652 below the Illinois state average of $53,694. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $48,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Springfield spans from $28,220 at the 10th percentile to $83,130 at the 90th percentile — a $54,910 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,750, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Springfield by Experience
In Springfield, an entry-level chef earns around $29,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL
| Percentile | Springfield |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,870 |
| Median (50th) | $48,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,130 |
Chef Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Chef in Springfield
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Springfield and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Springfield
Browse open chef positions in Springfield, IL: