Illinois ranks 22nd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $4,770 — a 14% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $44,610 — a $15,490 spread, 25% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Illinois employs roughly 3.3% of all food preparation workers in the country (29,320 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $29,620 | $14.24 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,180 | $16.44 |
| 75th percentile | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| Mean (average) | $35,820 | $17.22 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $34,180 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +14% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +13% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +12% |
| California | $38,150 | +12% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +11% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +9% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +8% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $34,280 | 6,620 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $34,380 | 15,340 |
| Animal Caretakers | $34,440 | 10,660 |
| Retail Salespersons | $34,490 | 132,880 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,520 | 2,490 |
| Recreation Workers | $33,830 | 16,150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Illinois?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Illinois is $35,820 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,180 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Illinois?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,620 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $44,610 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,800 per year.
How does the Illinois Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Illinois is $34,180, which is +0% above national average of $34,220.