HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Executive Chef Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$87,198/yr
Typical range: $75,736 – $110,464
P25–P50 · 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 | $65,856 | $5,488 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $78,661 | $6,555 | +19% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $87,198 | $7,267 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,125 | $7,927 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $109,759 | $9,147 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $120,735 | $10,061 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $123,479 | $10,290 | +87% |
Current Salary
$87,198
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$95,125
Senior · 6
+$8Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Executive Chef salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Executive Chefs in Chicago, IL earn approximately $87K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Executive Chef make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $87K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience 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 $110K–$131K/yr.