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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Cook in Illinois is $32,999 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, an Assistant Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Assistant Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $35,418 | $2,951 | $681 | $17 |
| Average | $32,999 | $2,750 | $635 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,700 | $2,558 | $590 | $15 |
Edwardsville School District - Edwardsville, IL
EDUEATS FOOD SERVICE COMPANY LLC - Chicago, IL
Antioch Community Consolidated School District 34 - Antioch, IL
Freeport School District 145 - Freeport, IL
An Assistant Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Assistant Cook | $32,775 |
| Intermediate Level Assistant Cook | $32,839 |
| Senior Level Assistant Cook | $33,675 |
| Specialist Level Assistant Cook | $34,784 |
| Expert Level Assistant Cook | $34,863 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Assistant Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Cook positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $42,898 | $21.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $41,248 | $20.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $39,598 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $37,948 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $36,298 | $17.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Assistant Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $35,418 | $2,951 | $681 | $17 |
| Average | $32,999 | $2,750 | $635 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,700 | $2,558 | $590 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Freeport School District 145
Rockford, IL
Freeport School District 145 | Rockford, IL
Cashier. Cashier Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent. Equivalent combination of education and training considered. Must have basic computer s... more
10 Days Ago
Orangeville Community Unified School District 203
Orangeville, IL
Orangeville Community Unified School District 203 | Orangeville, IL
Assistant Cook (Part-time). This position is 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. on student attendance days only. This candidate will be willing to obtain a sanitation li... more
10 Days Ago
Regional Office of Education #43
Eureka, IL
Regional Office of Education #43 | Eureka, IL
Assistant Cook. Eureka High School has an opening for an assistant cook beginning August 2026. Please apply online. For questions, contact Mr. James Welton... more
10 Days Ago
CRYSTAL TREE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Orland Park, IL
CRYSTAL TREE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB | Orland Park, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Job Summary. Are you interested in learning the art of sushi and working in a fun, fast-paced kitchen. We’re... more
7 Days Ago
An Association of Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Frankfort, IL
An Association of Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart | Frankfort, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Full-Time Dietary Aide/Assistant Cook needed for our Motherhouse Kitchen. Assist in preparing residents (the Franciscan S... more
10 Days Ago
Absolutely, Positively, Kids!
Silvis, IL
Absolutely, Positively, Kids! | Silvis, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Paid time off. Training & development. Tuition assistance. Position Summary. Absolutely Positively Kids. Early ... more
11 Days Ago
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