How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Illinois
Cooks, Restaurants in Illinois earn a median salary of $36,630/year, which is 1% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,060/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Illinois
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 61,630 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Bloomington.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $37K | $17.83/hr | 47,100 |
| Bloomington | $35K | $16.73/hr | 910 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $34K | $16.58/hr | 1,130 |
| Peoria | $34K | $16.53/hr | 1,710 |
| Rockford | $34K | $16.51/hr | 1,260 |
| Decatur | $34K | $16.48/hr | 360 |
| Springfield | $34K | $16.46/hr | 1,050 |
| Kankakee | $33K | $16.07/hr | 410 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Illinois
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Illinois?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in Illinois is $36,630 per year ($17.61/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $29,790 to $46,440.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Illinois?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $36,630, a cooks, restaurant in Illinois would take home approximately $2,472/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 57.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Illinois are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($37,090), Bloomington ($34,800), Champaign-Urbana ($34,490). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $36,630 salary, this means roughly $1,813/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.