Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $53,720. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,510.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Athens-Clarke County, GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-16.9%below the national average.
$25.8
$1,033
$4,477
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Athens-Clarke County, GA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 46.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Athens-Clarke County, GA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 5.1x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $16,410, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $84,510.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,410 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $40,290 | $19.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $47,640 | $22.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $67,150 | $32.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $84,510 | $40.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Athens-Clarke County, GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $53,720 to $53,720.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.91
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
90 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
Only 0.91 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $52,510↓ 2% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,190↑ 14% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,690↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,430↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,030↓ 9% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $53,720. This typically ranges from $16,410 for entry-level positions to $84,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 16.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $53,720 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Athens-Clarke County, GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($52,510) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 0.91 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA