Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Cleveland, OH
Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH, earn an average annual salary of $60,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Cleveland's culinary scene. While the nominal pay is a key indicator, understanding the local cost of living provides crucial context for this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,920.
- Outlook: Cleveland's culinary landscape supports a dedicated workforce of 1,010 Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market. With approximately 0.97 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is consistent, offering a solid base for employment opportunities within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH earns-5.9%below the national average.
$29.3
$1,170
$5,071
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled positions like Chefs and Head Cooks have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing consumer demand for quality dining experiences and the ongoing need for experienced culinary professionals to lead kitchen operations.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Cleveland, OH
The career path for Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities and the premium placed on specialized knowledge and management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,830 | $17.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $45,638 | $21.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,190 | $27.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $76,063 | $36.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $97,920 | $47.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,850 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Cleveland is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to that experienced by chefs in other parts of the country, without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
0.97
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Cleveland, OH has 0.82x 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 0.82, Cleveland, OH, has a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not as densely populated as in some other major metropolitan areas. This can translate to a moderately competitive job market, where skilled and experienced culinary professionals may find a good balance between available opportunities and the number of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,500↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Canton-Massillon, OH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,860↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,220↑ 4% | 53 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,350↓ 12% | 60 mi |
| Mansfield, OH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $55,990↓ 8% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cleveland, OH
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Cleveland, OH?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH is $60,850. This typically ranges from $36,830 for entry-level positions to $97,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cleveland, OH is 5.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Cleveland, OH a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately lucrative, with a standard cost of living.Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland earn $60,850 annually, which is slightly below the national average. However, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the salary offers comparable purchasing power.
Is Cleveland, OH a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Cleveland, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cleveland, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Akron, OH ($61,500) and Canton-Massillon, OH.
How does Cleveland's chef salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland, OH, is $60,850, which is approximately $3,830 less than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Cleveland?
Cleveland has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Cleveland affect a chef's salary?
Cleveland's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $60,850 salary has the same purchasing power in Cleveland as the national average salary does across the U.S.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for chefs in Cleveland?
With 0.97 jobs per 1,000 workers, Cleveland shows a steady demand for Chefs and Head Cooks, suggesting a stable employment environment for professionals in this field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Cleveland, OH area with a job density of 0.97 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 Cleveland, OH