Chicago Executive Chef Salaries

• Executive chefs working in Chicago earn an annual income of $37,330, which is an hourly rate of $17.65 if the executive chef works 2,080 hours every year, according to 2010 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given that executive chefs work more than 12 hours at times, the annual income may differ slightly depending on how much the chef works. Although Chicago has one of the highest levels of employment for executive chefs in the United States, chefs here earn less than the nationwide average. The mean average for national estimates hovers around $44,780 annually, or $21.53 hourly. Starting salaries may be closer to $23,260 yearly, while more experienced executive chefs may earn upwards of $70,960.
  
  

Executive Chef Industries

• The average salary for an executive chef may also vary depending on what industry the chef is employed. Executive chefs working with specialty food services earn $45,550 in annual wages, while those working in full-service restaurants in a metropolitan area may earn approximately $42,420 in yearly income. Traveler accommodations offer executive chefs $51,900 in income.
  
  

Chicago vs. Other States

• The annual salary for executive chefs in Chicago is very close to the state average for Illinois, which is close to $37,560 and is only a few hundred dollars more than the average in Chicago. However, the state of Illinois is not one of the top-paying states. California is a high-paying state with $48,610 in income average, while Texas executive chefs earn an average $40,440 per year.
  
  

Executive Chef Job Description

• One of the primary responsibilities of an executive chef is to coordinate the preparations associated with a given menu or meals. Executive chefs supervise cook and line workers in the kitchen, including all food-related service operations. Some of these chefs may supervise several food services in a single institution, such as numerous kitchens in a casino, hotel or travel accommodation. Part of the monthly responsibility includes making a menu and testing dishes.