SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Alaska

Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska earn an average annual salary of $60,810, which is slightly below the national average of $64,680. This difference can be attributed to the unique economic landscape and operational costs associated with working in a state like Alaska, which often necessitates higher compensation to offset logistical challenges and attract skilled culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $60,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,180.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska appears robust, with a local workforce of 780 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.06 strongly indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting significant demand and a specialized market for culinary expertise within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$60,810

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska earns-6.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.2

Weekly

$1,169

Monthly

$5,068

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Alaska

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and management skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding expertise, leadership, and a proven track record in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$32,270$15.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$45,608$21.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$57,610$27.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$76,013$36.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$89,180$42.9

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$60,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,033

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the nominal average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska is $60,810, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 126.6, significantly above the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the $60,810 salary is diminished compared to national standards, requiring careful financial planning for individuals considering relocation to or within Alaska.

Job Market Context

780

Total Jobs

2.432

Per 1K Jobs

2.06

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 2.1x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Location Quotient of 2.06 for Chefs and Head Cooks signifies a market where these professionals are more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, indicating that employers actively seek out culinary talent, and there may be fewer candidates relative to the demand, making skilled individuals valuable.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska is $60,810. This typically ranges from $32,270 for entry-level positions to $89,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 6.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.06) suggests strong demand. However, the significantly higher cost of living requires careful consideration of earning potential versus expenses.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Alaska compare nationally?

With 2.432 jobs per 1,000 workers, Alaska has a notable presence of Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating a demand that outpaces the national average relative to its workforce size.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Alaska?

There are approximately 780 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within the state of Alaska, forming a dedicated segment of the local workforce.

How does the cost of living in Alaska affect a Chef's salary?

The cost of living in Alaska is 26.6% higher than the national average. This means that the $60,810 salary in Alaska has less purchasing power than the same amount would in a location with a cost of living at the national average.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks growing in Alaska?

Given the high Location Quotient and the number of jobs per capita, the market shows strong current demand. While specific growth rates aren't provided, the concentration suggests a stable or growing need for culinary professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 2.432 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska