Chef Salary in Chicago, IL ()
Updated 50 days ago · 443 observed active listings
In Chicago, the salary landscape for chefs reflects a robust demand with 443 open positions, indicating a competitive labor market. The trimmed average salary of $47,237 suggests a healthy middle ground, yet the wide full range from $20,000 to $140,000 highlights a significant variance based on experience, skill level, and the specific culinary segment. As the cost of living in Chicago pressures employer offers, understanding where your offer lands within the percentiles can empower your negotiation strategy.
Salary Distribution
Key Insights
- The wide P10–P90 spread ($20,000–$140,000) reflects the diversity of culinary roles, from entry-level positions in fast-casual dining to high-end restaurant chef roles that command premium salaries.
- With 3358 positions paying $20,000 and only 401 reaching up to $140,000, the data illustrates a market skewed towards lower salary offers, likely stemming from a high volume of entry-level roles in the city.
- The concentration of active employers like Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and Sodexo Live! indicates a strong presence of large restaurant groups and catering companies, which may influence salary structures based on their operational scales and budget allocations.
- The gap between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and the 75th percentile ($80,000) reveals a significant difference in the experience required, with mid-career chefs able to leverage more advanced culinary skills and management responsibilities for higher wages.
- Cost of living pressures in Chicago may push employers to offer competitive salaries, but they also influence entry-level positions to remain at the minimum wage or slightly above, reflecting a balance between affordability and market competitiveness.
Current Chef Jobs in Chicago
-
Table 95 Management · Greektown, Chicago$112,333 – $112,333
-
Sodexo Live! · Jackson Park, Cook County$105,000 – $110,000
-
The Hunter Group Associates · The Gap, Chicago$106,928 – $106,928
-
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants · River North, Chicago$70,000 – $100,000
-
Invited · West Loop, Chicago$96,200 – $96,200
-
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants · River North, Chicago$70,000 – $90,000
-
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants · River North, Chicago$70,000 – $90,000
-
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants · River North, Chicago$60,000 – $90,000
-
Invited · West Loop, Chicago$85,926 – $85,926
-
Davidson Hospitality Group · Chicago, Cook County$80,000 – $85,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chef salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Chef salary in Chicago, IL is $47,237 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.
How many Chef jobs are available in Chicago?
There are currently 443 open Chef positions in Chicago, IL.
What factors affect Chef salaries in Chicago?
Chef salaries in Chicago vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in Chicago also plays a significant role in compensation levels.
Related Reading
Explore more about this market on the Jobs Jobs Jobs Research Blog:
- Unpacking the Average Salary for Data Scientists in Chicago: Insights and Comparisons
- Comprehensive Salary Guide for Data Analysts in San Francisco: 2023 Insights
- Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Chicago: Unlock Your Earning Potential
- Streamlining Your Hiring Process: A Comprehensive Guide Leveraging Technology
Career Intelligence — Chef in Chicago
Dig deeper: purchasing power, market demand, career growth potential, and the skills that move salaries at each level.
Sign up for free to save jobs, manage your search, and use the Jobs Jobs Jobs Research app.
Sign Up for Free →