Restaurant Cook Salary in Illinois
Based on 54K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$37,580
$18.07/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $46K
54K employed in Illinois
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Illinois is $37,580 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, indicating a competitive but stable job market for these culinary professionals within the state.
Several factors can influence how much a Restaurant Cook earns in Illinois. These include the specific location within the state, the type and size of the restaurant, the cook's experience level, and any specialized culinary skills they possess. The salary range for these roles generally falls between $31,200 and $46,460 annually.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $35,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,580 |
| 75th percentile | $45,010 |
| 90th percentile | $46,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,707 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,580 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,707 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,460 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Restaurant Cook ($37,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IL | $33,910 | -9.8% | $16.30/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in IL | $31,200 | -17.0% | $15.00/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IL | $37,680 | +0.3% | $18.12/hr |
| Receptionist in IL | $37,400 | -0.5% | $17.98/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IL | $38,060 | +1.3% | $18.30/hr |
| Security Guard in IL | $39,490 | +5.1% | $18.99/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IL | $35,370 | -5.9% | $17.00/hr |
| Cashier in IL | $34,490 | -8.2% | $16.58/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | +17.7% | $21.26/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IL | $45,960 | +22.3% | $22.10/hr |
| Medical Assistant in IL | $46,090 | +22.6% | $22.16/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in IL | $46,130 | +22.8% | $22.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Illinois?
- The typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Illinois is between $31,200 and $46,460 per year. This means most cooks in the state fall within this earning bracket.
How does the median Restaurant Cook salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Illinois is $37,580 per year, which is 0.3% lower than the national average. This suggests that Illinois offers a slightly less lucrative, though still competitive, compensation for this role.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Illinois?
- The median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Illinois is $18 per hour. This is calculated based on the annual median salary of $37,580 and a standard full-time work schedule.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 53,540 Restaurant Cooks employed in Illinois. This indicates a significant number of job opportunities within this profession across the state.