Illinois ranks 14th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, short order pay, trailing top-paying Arizona ($46,240) by $9,540 — a 26% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,800 to $48,020 — a $18,220 spread, 18% tighter than the national $22,240 range.
Cooks, Short Order are less concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.23 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 4.35× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,800 | $14.33 |
| 25th percentile | $33,720 | $16.21 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,700 | $17.64 |
| 75th percentile | $44,430 | $21.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Mean (average) | $37,990 | $18.26 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $36,700 | n/a |
| Arizona | $46,240 | +26% |
| Washington | $46,010 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $44,770 | +22% |
| Colorado | $44,090 | +20% |
| Hawaii | $41,100 | +12% |
| Alaska | $39,940 | +9% |
| Vermont | $39,140 | +7% |
| California | $39,010 | +6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bakers | $36,770 | 10,730 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,630 | 61,630 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $36,590 | 4,250 |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | $36,830 | 11,420 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $36,880 | 7,350 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $36,940 | 3,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Illinois?
The mean cooks, short order salary in Illinois is $37,990 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,700 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Illinois?
Entry-level cooks, short orders (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,800 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,720 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Short Order salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $48,020 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,430 per year.
How does the Illinois Cooks, Short Order salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, short order salary in Illinois is $36,700, which is +3% above national average of $35,620.