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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Anchorage, AK

Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage, Alaska, earn an average annual salary of $58,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand for culinary professionals exists, the compensation may be influenced by local economic factors and the specific needs of the Alaskan market. The unique operational costs and logistical considerations in Alaska can also play a role in salary determination.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,380.
  • Outlook: Anchorage boasts a dedicated workforce of approximately 400 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.93, the concentration of these roles in Anchorage is nearly double the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary expertise within the city. This higher concentration suggests a vibrant food service industry that actively seeks and retains skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,990

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage, AK earns-8.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.4

Weekly

$1,134

Monthly

$4,916

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Anchorage, AK

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership capabilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial rewards associated with advancing through the ranks and acquiring advanced culinary expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,480$15.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$44,243$21.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$52,420$25.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$73,738$35.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$86,380$41.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,990 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, indicating that while the pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not disproportionately erode its value within Anchorage.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

2.282

Per 1K Jobs

1.93

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Anchorage, AK has 1.9x 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.

Anchorage's Location Quotient of 1.93 signifies a significantly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Anchorage is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, and employers may face less competition for talent than in other regions. The strong presence indicates a well-established culinary scene that supports a larger-than-average pool of these specialized roles.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Anchorage, AK?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage, AK is $58,990. This typically ranges from $31,480 for entry-level positions to $86,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Anchorage, AK is 8.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Anchorage, AK a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.93) and a cost of living on par with the national average suggest a stable and potentially rewarding career environment for experienced professionals.

Is Anchorage, AK a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Anchorage, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Anchorage Chef salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage is $58,990, which is lower than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage?

Anchorage has a concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks that is 1.93 times the national average, indicating a strong presence of this profession.

How does the cost of living in Anchorage affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Anchorage is at the national average, meaning the $58,990 salary has comparable purchasing power to the national average salary.

What does the job market look like for Chefs and Head Cooks in Anchorage?

The market is robust, with a higher-than-average concentration of jobs and a workforce of 400 professionals, suggesting consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Anchorage, AK area with a job density of 2.282 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 Anchorage, AK