Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 4,470 employed
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chicago, IL is $65,290 per year. The middle 50% of Chefs and Head Cookss earn between $47,150 and $80,100. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $99,150 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $35,290. The median of $63,570 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $35,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,150 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $63,570 |
| Mean (Average) | $65,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,100 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $99,150 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Cooks, All Other | $46,610 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $44,630 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $39,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $39,570 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $39,010 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $38,810 |
Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $97,850 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $90,910 |
| Napa, CA | $82,440 |
| Providence, RI | $81,590 |
| San Jose, CA | $79,730 |
| Morgantown, WV | $79,100 |
| Naples, FL | $78,070 |
| Boston, MA | $77,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chicago, IL is $65,290 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chicago, IL is $63,570 per year. Half of Chefs and Head Cookss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $35,290 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $47,150.
What do the highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss in Chicago, IL earn $99,150 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $80,100.
How many Chefs and Head Cookss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 4,470 Chefs and Head Cookss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.