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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Birmingham, AL

Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, command an impressive average annual salary of $67,080, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated pay in Birmingham is likely influenced by a combination of local market demand, the specific skill sets required for culinary leadership, and potentially the operational costs associated with running high-quality food establishments in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,080 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,580.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.43, supports a dedicated local workforce of 260 professionals. The presence of 0.51 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for experienced culinary leaders within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,080

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL earns+3.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.3

Weekly

$1,290

Monthly

$5,590

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized culinary skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and responsibility within a culinary team. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights substantial opportunities for salary growth.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$40,300$19.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$50,310$24.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$62,800$30.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$83,850$40.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$94,580$45.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,080

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,080

Adjusted for COL (100)

For professionals considering a move to Birmingham, AL, the average annual salary of $67,080 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

0.51

Per 1K Jobs

0.43

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.43x, Birmingham, AL has a notably lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

With a Location Quotient of 0.43, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the competition might be less intense compared to more saturated culinary hubs, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Tuscaloosa, AL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$67,910↑ 1%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,710↓ 11%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL is $67,080. This typically ranges from $40,300 for entry-level positions to $94,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 3.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially favorable.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($67,910) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Birmingham salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL, is $67,080, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the job concentration for Chefs and Head Cooks in Birmingham, AL?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.43, indicating that the presence of these roles in Birmingham is less than half of the national average concentration.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Birmingham, AL?

There are approximately 260 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Birmingham, AL.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a Chef's salary in Birmingham?

No, the cost of living in Birmingham is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $67,080 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.51 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 Birmingham, AL