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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Assistant in Illinois is $34,087 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Culinary Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Culinary Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $36,601 | $3,050 | $704 | $18 |
| Average | $34,087 | $2,841 | $656 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,738 | $2,645 | $610 | $15 |
Helia Healthcare - Newton, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC - Lombard, IL
Taste Buds Kitchen - Deerfield, IL
Atomic Hospitality - Chicago, IL
A Culinary Assistant'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 a Culinary Assistant'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 Culinary Assistant | $33,532 |
| Intermediate Level Culinary Assistant | $33,598 |
| Senior Level Culinary Assistant | $34,453 |
| Specialist Level Culinary Assistant | $35,588 |
| Expert Level Culinary Assistant | $35,669 |
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 Culinary Assistants. 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 Culinary Assistant 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, Culinary Assistant positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $44,313 | $21.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $42,609 | $20.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $40,904 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $39,200 | $19.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $37,496 | $18.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Culinary Assistant'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 | $36,601 | $3,050 | $704 | $18 |
| Average | $34,087 | $2,841 | $656 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,738 | $2,645 | $610 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Culinary Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Compass Group
Chicago, IL
Compass Group | Chicago, IL
Levy Sector. Pay: $18.88. Are you looking for a job with competitive wages, one in which you can learn and grow and be a part of a great team. We're hiring... more
1 Day Ago
Chick-fil-A
Bolingbrook, IL
Chick-fil-A | Bolingbrook, IL
Chick-fil-A - 245 Weber Road - Responsibilities: Assist in kitchen operations across breading, prep, meal fulfillment, cleaning, stocking, and rotation. Ma... more
1 Day Ago
Compass Group
Chicago, IL
Compass Group | Chicago, IL
Compass Group - 1901 West Madison Street - Responsibilities: Maintains front-of-house cleanliness and sanitation. Buss tables and clear floors during peak ... more
1 Day Ago
Lifespace Communities
Downers Grove, IL
Lifespace Communities | Downers Grove, IL
Culinary Team Member. Community: Oak Trace. Address: 200 Village Drive Downers Grove, Illinois 60516. Pay Range: $15.00-$20.45+ Hourly. Live your purpose. ... more
1 Day Ago
Longevity of Godfrey
Godfrey, IL
Longevity of Godfrey | Godfrey, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Work with one of the best executive directors in the state, in a beautiful building, with great residents, surrounded by ... more
2 Days Ago
Bonefish Grill
Algonquin, IL
Bonefish Grill | Algonquin, IL
Bonefish Grill - 1604 SOUTH RANDALL RD [Kitchen Supervisor] As a Culinary Manager at Bonefish Grill, you'll: Be responsible for the daily operations of all... more
2 Days Ago
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