SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, command an impressive average annual salary of $70,600, significantly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and culinary landscape of the region, potentially influenced by factors such as local dining trends, tourism, and the overall economic environment that supports higher wages for skilled culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $70,600 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,880.
  • Outlook: The Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks appears robust, with a local workforce of 740 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a healthy job market for experienced individuals in this field within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$70,600

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earns+9.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.9

Weekly

$1,358

Monthly

$5,883

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and management capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$43,680$21
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$52,950$25.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$65,930$31.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$88,250$42.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$104,880$50.4

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$70,600

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$70,600

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $70,600 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location for culinary professionals without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

740

Total Jobs

1.384

Per 1K Jobs

1.17

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.17, Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.17, Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without being oversaturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Rochester, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$65,150↓ 8%65 mi
Erie, PA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$55,320↓ 22%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $70,600. This typically ranges from $43,680 for entry-level positions to $104,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 9.2% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $70,600 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing excellent purchasing power.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, NY ($65,150) and Erie, PA.

How does the Buffalo-Cheektowaga salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is $70,600, which is $5,920 higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.17, indicating that this role is 17% more common in Buffalo-Cheektowaga than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The cost of living in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, is at the national average (100). This means the $70,600 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga area?

There are approximately 740 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, 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 740 employees in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area with a job density of 1.384 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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY