The popular kitchen drama “The Bear” premiered on June 26, giving fans a chance to watch new episodes of their beloved show. In the previous season, chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto and his team worked tirelessly to turn their family-run restaurant, The Original Beef of Chicagoland, into a fine dining establishment called The Bear.
Fans of “The Bear” may find themselves inspired to try new recipes in their own kitchens. The show’s chefs, like Carmy and Sydney, create tempting dishes that leave viewers eager to cook. But for those considering a career change, the question of how much money chefs and their staff make may come to mind.
Salaries for restaurant workers can vary depending on the establishment, location, and overall economic conditions. Business Insider analyzed national and Chicago-area wage data to estimate what average staff salaries might look like if The Bear were to open in 2023.
In recent years, wages for leisure and hospitality workers, including those in restaurants, have been increasing faster than the average for all private workers. This growth is attributed to rising minimum wages at the state level and a tight labor market. Despite this increase in wages, many restaurant workers may still struggle financially due to high housing costs in major cities like Chicago. A report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies found that nearly half of renters in Chicago feel cost-burdened, meaning they spend a significant portion of their income on housing expenses.
Ultimately, the annual salary for staff at The Bear will depend on the specific roles they hold within the restaurant. As the show continues to entice viewers with its culinary creations, the realities of the restaurant industry hang over the characters as they navigate their careers and daily lives