salary$38,930 a year$19 an hour · median pay in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$32,150per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,620per year
Jobs in the area41,690people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Elgin?
Expensive. Rent of $1,988 a month takes 61.3% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Elgin, IL?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is $38,930 a year ($19 an hour). Most earn between $32,150 and $46,620.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Elgin?
Typical rent of $1,988 a month takes 61.3% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area.