How Much Do Food Preparation Workers Make in Illinois?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earns $34,850 per year and takes home $28,602 ($2,383/month) — a keep-rate of 82.1%, with 34,820 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $2,904.17 |
| Federal income tax | $166.83 |
| Social Security | $180.06 |
| Medicare | $42.11 |
| Illinois state income tax | $131.69 |
| You keep | $2,383.48 |
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Illinois?
The median Food Preparation Workers in Illinois earns $34,850 per year (BLS May 2025), about $16.75 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$34,850 gross in Illinois keeps $28,602 after federal income tax ($2,002), FICA ($2,666) and state income tax ($1,580) — $2,383 per month, a 82.1% keep-rate.
How does Illinois compare to the national median for Food Preparation Workers?
The Illinois median is $470 below the national median of $35,320.
Which state pays Food Preparation Workers the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Food Preparation Workers salary in every state · Illinois paycheck calculator · Illinois minimum wage