HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Executive Chef Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$65,856/yr
Typical range: $63,880 – $75,736
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $65,856 | $5,488 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $78,661 | $6,555 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$65,856
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $32/hr
Next Level Target
$78,661
Junior · 2
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Executive Chef salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Executive Chefs in Chicago, IL earn approximately $66K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Executive Chef make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $66K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $32/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Executive Chef in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Chicago, IL earns $110K–$131K/yr.