Illinois ranks 25th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, restaurant pay, trailing top-paying Massachusetts ($46,280) by $9,650 — a 26% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,790 to $46,440 — a $16,650 spread, 14% tighter than the national $19,330 range.
Illinois employs roughly 4.2% of all cooks, restaurant in the country (61,630 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| 25th percentile | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| 75th percentile | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,440 | $22.33 |
| Mean (average) | $37,840 | $18.19 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $36,630 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +26% |
| District of Columbia | $45,230 | +23% |
| Washington | $44,980 | +23% |
| Maine | $44,870 | +22% |
| Hawaii | $44,710 | +22% |
| Vermont | $44,560 | +22% |
| California | $44,290 | +21% |
| New York | $39,890 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $36,590 | 4,250 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $36,700 | 1,380 |
| Bakers | $36,770 | 10,730 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,430 | 22,850 |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | $36,830 | 11,420 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $36,880 | 7,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Restaurant salary in Illinois?
The mean cooks, restaurant salary in Illinois is $37,840 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,630 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois?
Entry-level cooks, restaurants (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,790 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,760 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Restaurant salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $46,440 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $43,680 per year.
How does the Illinois Cooks, Restaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Illinois is $36,630, which is -1% below national average of $36,830.