Chef Salary in Chicago: Is It Worth It?
The median chef salary in Chicago is $61K a year. Here is what actually lands in your pocket after taxes - and what it's really worth once you account for the local cost of living.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount / year | Share of gross |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $60,770 | 100% |
| Federal income tax (2026, single) | −$5,112 | 8.4% |
| FICA (Social Security + Medicare) | −$4,649 | 7.7% |
| State income tax (Illinois) | −$3,008 | 4.9% |
| Take-home | $48,001 | 79.0% |
Estimates use single filing status, standard deduction, wages-only income. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Compare with other metros
Boston
Atlanta
Dallas
Detroit
Houston
Los Angeles
Typical costs to know
Illinois taxes wage income, and Chicago's cost of living is 4% above the U.S. average. In dollar terms,$61K of gross salary converts to roughly $46K of buying power after tax.
FAQ
What is the average chef salary in Chicago?
The median annual wage is $60,770, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much do chefs and head cooks take home in Chicago?
After estimated federal income tax ($5,112), FICA ($4,649) and Illinois state tax ($3,008), net income is about $48,001 a year - roughly $4K per month.
Is $61K a good salary in Chicago?
Because the local cost of living is 4% above the U.S. average, that salary supports buying power roughly equivalent to $46K at the national average. See the methodology for the math.