So what can an above average professional cake decorator really expect to make in a year. I see lots of info on pricing, but how does that translate annually. Also, I live in a small town about an hour from Chicago; would it make sense to start out targeting that area (and drive and hour to deliver) to get better rates? Thank you for any input.

I understand Illinois requires cake decorators work in a commercial kitchen. Home baked goods cannot be sold to the public. You income would depend on how much overhead.

You might try searching cake sites in the Chicago area to see if they provide the starting cost per serving for decorated cakes. The profit is in wedding cakes, or large celebration cakes.

Since most weddings are on weekends, it would also depend on how many cakes you can produce in a week for delivery on the weekend.

Where in Illinois are you from? I live about 45 minutes from Chicago. You could try and start by selling to friends and family and have them pass your name on and go from there.