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Menu Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Administers menu design, product pricing, ordering, inventory control procedures, and end of month inventory * Ensures sanitation standards are consistently met * Coordinates menu planning with ...

Administers menu design, product pricing, ordering, inventory control procedures, and end of month inventory * Ensures sanitation standards are consistently met * Coordinates menu planning with ...

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Menu Design information

See Illinois salary details

$73.2K

$124.3K

$182.2K

How much do menu design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu design in Illinois is $124,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Menu Design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Menu Design, you need a strong background in graphic design, layout principles, and a keen understanding of food and beverage presentation. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Canva is typically required, and experience with print production processes is a plus. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with chefs, managers, and marketing teams. These capabilities ensure that menus are visually appealing, brand-consistent, and functional for both staff efficiency and customer experience.

What is a Menu Design job?

A Menu Design job involves creating visually appealing and functional menus for restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments. Designers focus on layout, typography, colors, and imagery to enhance customer experience and drive sales. They may collaborate with chefs or restaurant owners to organize menu items effectively while considering branding and readability. Strong graphic design skills and an understanding of consumer psychology are key aspects of this role.

What does a menu designer do?

A menu designer creates the visual layout and presentation of menus for restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments. They use graphic design tools to ensure menus are attractive, easy to read, and aligned with the brand's style, often requiring knowledge of design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Attention to detail and understanding of branding and customer experience are essential skills for this role.

What does a typical day look like for a Menu Designer?

A typical day for a Menu Designer involves collaborating with restaurant managers, chefs, and marketing teams to understand menu updates, seasonal offerings, and brand guidelines. You’ll spend much of your time brainstorming concepts, drafting layouts, and refining designs using graphic design software, balancing both aesthetics and readability. Reviewing proofs, making adjustments based on stakeholder feedback, and preparing files for print or digital publication are also common tasks. Menu Designers frequently juggle multiple projects and deadlines, so strong organizational skills are crucial, and the role often offers opportunities to build a diverse portfolio and advance to creative leadership positions.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of menu design, senior graphic designers or art directors often earn the highest salaries, especially those with extensive experience and expertise in branding and visual communication. High-level positions in advertising agencies or large corporations tend to offer the top compensation, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.

What is the highest paying job in culinary?

In culinary, executive chefs and culinary directors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel chains. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or culinary education.

How much do menu designers make?

Menu designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Freelance menu designers may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $75 or more. Skills in graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop are often essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Menu Design jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Menu Design jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Menu Design jobs in Illinois? For Menu Design jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Menu Design job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,284 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Airline Lounges Culinary Development Manager

Airline Lounges Culinary Development Manager

Sodexo

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 488 rated business services


Job description

Role Overview

Sodexo Live! has an exciting, remote opening for a Culinary Development Manager to support our Airport Dimensions Lounge client on a national scale.  The successful candidate will support recipe development and related strategic initiatives and engage in menu design, menu changes, menu costing, training, as well as client facing communication and partnership.  You will also support P&L management, new lounge openings, and team development. 

This is a remote position, and our preferred candidate would reside on the East Coast, near a major airport.  

What You'll Do
  • menu design and development
  • menu costing
  • team training and development
  • client communications 
  • new lounge openings
What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring
  • 3-5 years of proven leadership experience in a recognized restaurant or hospitality company or group
  • proven track record of menu development and training
  • excellent culinary background including operations and management
  • ability to travel nationally
  • desire to learn and grow in a culinary discipline
Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 5 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in operations

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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