Season 3 of “The Bear” premiered on June 26, delighting fans with new episodes of the popular kitchen drama. The previous season followed chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White) and his team as they transformed their family-owned restaurant, the Original Beef of Chicagoland, into a fine-dining establishment called The Bear.
Fans of “The Bear” have been inspired by the show when it comes to their cooking, often responding with a resounding “Yes, chef!” when asked. However, for those considering a career change to become a chef like Carmy, the question of how much money they could potentially make may arise. Salaries for chefs and kitchen staff can vary depending on the establishment, location, and other factors.
Business Insider conducted an analysis of national and Chicago-area wage data for restaurant workers to estimate the average salaries of staff at The Bear if it were to open in 2023. In recent years, pay for leisure and hospitality workers, including restaurants, has seen significant growth. Restaurant staff wages have increased by 31.1% since January 2020, outpacing the average wage increase of all private workers, which is 25.4%.
However, despite these wage increases, staff at The Bear may still face challenges. A report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies found that 48% of renters in Chicago feel cost-burdened, spending between 30% and 50% of their income on housing. Additionally, Chicago’s suburbs have been ranked as the second most competitive rental market in the US. Ultimately, the annual salary for staff at The Bear will vary depending on their role within the restaurant.