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Chef Salary in Peoria, IL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Peoria's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Peoria β€” Key Numbers

$49,493
Median Salary
$35,994
25th Percentile
$67,687
75th Percentile
$88,805
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-16.0%
Peoria median household income$57,800
vs. City household income-14.4%

Cost of Living in Peoria

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$800/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.4%
Annual rent cost$9,600
Median Home Price$155,000
Home Price / Salary3.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$31,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Peoria

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
370,000
Metro Population
20 min
Avg Commute
37.8
Median Age

Peoria has a metro population of 370,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Chef Salary β€” Other Illinois Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Peoria, IL?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Peoria is $49,493 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Peoria's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $35,994 (25th percentile) to $67,687 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $88,805.

Is Peoria affordable for a Chef?

On a $49,493 annual salary, a Chef in Peoria would spend approximately 19.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($800/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Peoria relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $155,000 is 3.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chef's salary compare to Peoria's overall income?

Peoria's median household income is $57,800. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $49,493 earns 14.4% less than the typical Peoria household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Peoria has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.