HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$104,617/yr
Typical range: $105,289 – $124,829
P90 · 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 | $62,770 | $5,231 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $74,976 | $6,248 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,113 | $6,926 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $90,668 | $7,556 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $104,617 | $8,718 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $115,079 | $9,590 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $117,694 | $9,808 | +88% |
Current Salary
$104,617
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $50/hr
Next Level Target
$115,079
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Chicago, IL earn approximately $105K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Executive Chef make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $105K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $50/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $105K–$125K/yr.