Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Illinois | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,890 | $40,550 | +5.8% vs US |
| State Rank | #14 of 40 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 920 jobs | 27,660 jobs | 3.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,000 | $18.75 |
| Median | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,330 | $23.72 |
| 90th Percentile | $53,000 | $25.48 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois in 2026?
With a median salary of $42,890 in Illinois and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +64.7%, food cooking machine operators and tenders are still in strong and growing demand.
How can food cooking machine operators and tenders increase their salary in Illinois?
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Illinois currently ranks #14 out of 40 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Grain and Oilseed Milling | $53,480 |
| Dairy Product Manufacturing | $48,100 |
| Other Food Manufacturing | $44,960 |
How are Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders paid in Illinois compared to the national average?
The median salary for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Illinois is $42,890, which is 5.8% above the national median of $40,550.