Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 13,900 employed
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Chicago, IL is $39,780 per year. The middle 50% of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn between $34,080 and $45,980. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $49,120 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $30,530. The median of $38,010 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $30,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,080 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $38,010 |
| Mean (Average) | $39,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,980 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $49,120 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $65,290 |
| Cooks, All Other | $46,610 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $44,630 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $39,570 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $39,010 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $38,810 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $55,940 |
| Seattle, WA | $52,380 |
| San Jose, CA | $52,270 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,710 |
| New Haven, CT | $50,580 |
| Napa, CA | $50,190 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $50,020 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $49,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Chicago, IL is $39,780 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Chicago, IL is $38,010 per year. Half of Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Chicago, IL typically earn around $30,530 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $34,080.
What do the highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Chicago, IL earn $49,120 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $45,980.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 13,900 Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.