Chef Salary in Chicago (2026)

Chefs in Chicago earn $36,600/year (≈$36,600 USD), adjusted for local cost of living. Ranked #20 of 113 cities for this role.

Local Salary
$36,600
per year
USD Equivalent
$36,600
per year
Take-Home
76%
$2,318/mo net

Salary Range in Chicago

Typical chef salary range in Chicago, adjusted for local cost of living (COLI: 73.2):

Entry Level
$18,300
Mid-Career
$36,600
Senior
$73,200

Top Cities for Chef Salary

Highest-paying cities for this role after cost-of-living adjustment:

City Local Salary USD Equiv. Take-Home
ZurichCHF 49,587$61,20064%
GenevaCHF 48,047$59,30061%
New York$50,000$50,00070%
San Francisco$48,800$48,80071%
SingaporeS$57,124$43,85077%

See all 113 cities for Chef →

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Other Jobs in Chicago

Chef Salary — Other Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a chef earn in Chicago?

A chef in Chicago earns approximately $36,600/year (≈$36,600 USD equivalent), based on the Chicago cost of living index of 73.2. Entry-level roles start around $18,300 and senior positions can reach $73,200.

What is the take-home pay for a chef in Chicago?

After income tax and social contributions in United States, a chef in Chicago takes home approximately 76% of their gross salary, or around $2,318/month ($27,816/year in USD equivalent).

How does Chicago rank for chef salaries globally?

Chicago ranks #20 out of 113 cities for chef salaries after cost-of-living adjustment. The top city globally for this role is Zurich.