Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Delaware
Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $67,330, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This slightly elevated pay in Delaware can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape and the demand within its culinary sector for skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 Chefs and Head Cooks, Delaware presents a moderately sized market for these culinary professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other states, hinting at a stable but not overly saturated demand.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware earns+4.1%above the national average.
$32.4
$1,295
$5,611
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks across the United States, including Delaware, have experienced a consistent upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a growing demand for high-quality dining experiences, all of which contribute to higher compensation for experienced culinary leaders.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Delaware
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience, specialized culinary training, and proven leadership abilities can significantly exceed the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior roles occupying the higher end of the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,840 | $21.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,498 | $24.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $65,290 | $31.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $84,163 | $40.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $86,140 | $41.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,796
Adjusted for COL (100.8)
The average annual salary of $67,330 in Delaware aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 100.8. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is very close to the national average, indicating that the higher earnings effectively offset the slightly above-average cost of living, making Delaware a financially neutral location in terms of real wages.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
1.028
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Delaware has 0.87x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware suggests that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This could imply a less competitive job market in some areas, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find positions, though it also indicates that the profession is not a dominant industry within the state's overall employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,620↓ 14% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $75,110↑ 12% | 29 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,630↑ 0% | 47 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $75,780↑ 13% | 56 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,850↓ 5% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Delaware
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Delaware?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware is $67,330. This typically ranges from $44,840 for entry-level positions to $86,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Delaware is 4.1% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Delaware a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, Delaware offers a slightly lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $67,330 is above the national average, and while the cost of living is slightly higher, the compensation generally keeps pace, offering good earning potential.
Is Delaware a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Delaware is 100.8. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Delaware?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dover, DE ($57,620) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Delaware's average chef salary compare to the national average?
Delaware's average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks is $67,330, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Delaware compared to the rest of the US?
Delaware has a Location Quotient of 0.87 for this profession, indicating a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Delaware affect the chef salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100.8, Delaware is only slightly more expensive than the national average. The $67,330 salary effectively compensates for this minor difference.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for chefs in Delaware?
With 1.028 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric shows the prevalence of chef and head cook roles within Delaware's workforce, providing context for employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Delaware area with a job density of 1.028 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 Delaware