Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area command an impressive average annual salary of $77,100, substantially exceeding the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation reflects the region's robust economy, high demand for skilled culinary professionals, and the generally higher cost of labor associated with a major metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,630.
- Outlook: The local job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton appears robust, with a total workforce of 4,020 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand and a healthy job environment for culinary professionals in this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+19.2%above the national average.
$37.1
$1,483
$6,425
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for sophisticated dining experiences, and the need to attract and retain talent likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized culinary training, and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant gaps between salary percentiles clearly signify substantial career progression opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $47,730 | $22.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $57,825 | $27.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $74,640 | $35.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $96,375 | $46.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $112,630 | $54.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $77,100 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living balances it out, offering a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
4,020
Total Jobs
1.483
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.25, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area demonstrates a 25% higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a more competitive and potentially abundant job market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, but also that there are more opportunities available than in a typical region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $78,980↑ 2% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,880↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $81,590↑ 6% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,080↓ 19% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $75,160↓ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $77,100. This typically ranges from $47,730 for entry-level positions to $112,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 19.2% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $77,100 is significantly higher than the national average, and the concentration of jobs (LQ 1.25) indicates strong demand.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($78,980) and Worcester, MA.
How does the average Chef salary in Boston compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $77,100, which is considerably higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job concentration for Chefs in Boston?
The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is 1.25, meaning the area has 25% more of these jobs relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Chef's salary in Boston?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $77,100 offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in the Boston area?
There are approximately 4,020 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,020 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 1.483 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH