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.
$109,759/yr
Typical range: $110,464 – $130,965
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 | $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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$109,759
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$120,735
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
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 $110K 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 $110K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/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 $110K–$131K/yr.