Illinois ranks 19th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, fast food pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($40,300) by $8,720 — a 28% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $38,970 — a $9,850 spread, 41% tighter than the national $16,610 range.
Cooks, Fast Food are less concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.62 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.61× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $29,470 | $14.17 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $31,580 | $15.18 |
| 75th percentile | $34,470 | $16.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,970 | $18.74 |
| Mean (average) | $32,560 | $15.65 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $31,580 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $40,300 | +28% |
| District of Columbia | $38,350 | +21% |
| New Hampshire | $37,220 | +18% |
| Massachusetts | $37,100 | +17% |
| Vermont | $37,050 | +17% |
| Oregon | $37,020 | +17% |
| Washington | $36,800 | +17% |
| California | $36,410 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | $31,340 | 118,010 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,900 | 139,090 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $31,080 | 12,500 |
| Helpers--Electricians | $31,020 | 350 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,980 | 11,910 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $32,360 | 4,330 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in Illinois?
The mean cooks, fast food salary in Illinois is $32,560 per year. The median (middle) salary is $31,580 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Illinois?
Entry-level cooks, fast foods (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,470 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Fast Food salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $38,970 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,470 per year.
How does the Illinois Cooks, Fast Food salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, fast food salary in Illinois is $31,580, which is +5% above national average of $30,160.