HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Executive Chef Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$84,597/yr
Typical range: $98,238 – $116,470
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Chicago
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $58,567 | $4,881 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,955 | $5,830 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $77,547 | $6,462 | +32% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $84,597 | $7,050 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $97,612 | $8,134 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $107,373 | $8,948 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $109,813 | $9,151 | +87% |
Current Salary
$84,597
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$97,612
Staff · 10
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Executive Chef salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Executive Chefs in Chicago, IL earn approximately $85K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Executive Chef make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $85K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Executive Chef in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Chicago, IL earns $98K–$116K/yr.