Cook Salary in Oak Park, IL
Cooks in Oak Park, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, which translates to about $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Oak Park is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and an expanding market for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Oak Park, IL?
The salary of a Cook in Oak Park varies depending on experience and the specific work environment. Here's a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.00 | $840.00 | $3,640.00 | $43,680.00 |
Do Cooks in Oak Park Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen, with compensation mainly based on wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Oak Park vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which corresponds to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Oak Park, IL, earn significantly more, with an hourly wage of $18.00 and an annual salary of $37,440.00. This difference reflects local economic factors and demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Oak Park for Cooks
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Cooks:
- Downtown Oak Park: $20.00 per hour
- South Oak Park: $19.00 per hour
Working in Downtown Oak Park can provide higher pay compared to other nearby neighborhoods, making it a desirable location for culinary work.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Oak Park?
Several key factors affect how much a Cook can earn in Oak Park:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks who demonstrate proficiency in cooking techniques and kitchen management often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at high-end restaurants or specialty food venues generally offers better pay compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Culinary Certifications: Possessing certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or being a Certified Culinarian (CC) can enhance earning potential.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Night, weekend, or holiday shifts might come with increased pay.
- Local Economic Factors: The cost of living and demand for culinary professionals in Oak Park impact salaries.
How To Become a Cook in Oak Park
The path to becoming a Cook in Oak Park involves several important steps:
- Complete Culinary Education: Programs like the Kendall College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures understanding of food safety, a necessity in many kitchens.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working as a kitchen assistant or line cook helps develop skills and improves job prospects.
- Attend Community College Courses: The Triton College Culinary Arts Program provides applied science degrees focusing on hands-on culinary training.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Oak Park
Some prominent employers actively seeking Cooks in Oak Park include:
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
- Wingstop
- Olive Garden
- Portillo's
- Noodles & Company
Establishments That Cooks in Oak Park Work At
Cooks in Oak Park find employment across a diverse range of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work but generally moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often provide opportunities for entry-level Cooks with consistent schedules.
- Fine Dining Venues: Typically pay more due to the higher skill requirements and greater complexity of food preparation.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Positions here may offer higher wages and benefits due to scale and clientele.
The type of establishment can significantly influence the salary a Cook earns, with more prestigious or busy venues often offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Oak Park for Cooks
If you're interested in roles similar to Cook, consider exploring these related positions:
These include Line Cook, Chef de Partie, and Kitchen Supervisor roles, which share overlapping skills and may offer different salary ranges and advancement opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Oak Park
Cooks should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax obligations that affect their employment. Useful resources include:
- Information from the U.S. Department of Labor on federal labor regulations.
- State-specific employment guidance available through the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
- Community resources and local labor information from the Oak Park, IL government website.