Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $61,190. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of culinary talent may influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,070.
- Outlook: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell culinary job market, with a total local workforce of 2,770 Chefs and Head Cooks, indicates a substantial presence of this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated market.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-5.4%below the national average.
$29.4
$1,177
$5,099
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Atlanta is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing food service demand, rising ingredient costs, and the continuous need for skilled culinary leadership.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one moves from junior roles to head chef or executive chef positions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $40,190 | $19.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $45,893 | $22.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,860 | $27.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $76,488 | $36.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $92,070 | $44.3 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,190 in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,770
Total Jobs
0.963
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has 0.81x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there might be opportunities for skilled individuals to enter the market without facing intense competition, though the overall demand is robust.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $52,510↓ 14% | 49 mi |
| Rome, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,210↓ 18% | 58 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,720↓ 12% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,690↓ 17% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,430↓ 11% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $61,190. This typically ranges from $40,190 for entry-level positions to $92,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 5.4% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately lucrative, with potential for growth.The average salary of $61,190 is close to the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, indicating a stable financial standing. However, the slightly lower Location Quotient suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may not be as intensely competitive or offer the highest premiums compared to some other regions.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($52,510) and Rome, GA.
How does the Atlanta salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $61,190, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job market like for Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta?
The job market is stable, with 2,770 professionals in the field and a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating a presence slightly below the national average concentration.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta?
No, the cost of living in Atlanta is at the national average (100), meaning the $61,190 salary offers purchasing power comparable to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.81 mean for Chefs and Head Cooks in Atlanta?
A Location Quotient of 0.81 signifies that the proportion of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area is slightly less than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,770 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 0.963 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA