Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Illinois (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for cooks, restaurant in Illinois is $37,580 per year (gross, before tax) — 0.5% above the US national median of $37,390 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 54,000 people work in this occupation in Illinois. Negotiating an offer in Illinois? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Illinois Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $31,200 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $35,360 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $37,580 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $45,010 | Experienced |
| 90th | $46,460 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
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Start $1 Trial →How Illinois Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $46,800 | +25.2% |
| District of Columbia | $46,130 | +23.4% |
| Massachusetts | $45,600 | +22.0% |
| Hawaii | $45,420 | +21.5% |
| Vermont | $45,390 | +21.4% |
| Maine | $45,290 | +21.1% |
| California | $44,880 | +20.0% |
| New York | $43,680 | +16.8% |
| Oregon | $43,100 | +15.3% |
| Colorado | $41,600 | +11.3% |
| Illinois | $37,580 | +0.5% |
All states for cooks, restaurant →
Recommended Gear & Prep
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a cooks, restaurant in Illinois?
The median salary in Illinois is $37,580 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $39,520.
How does Illinois pay compare to the US national average?
Illinois is 0.5% above the US national median of $37,390 for this occupation.
Which US state pays cooks, restaurant the most?
Washington has the highest median pay for this occupation at $46,800 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25