Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Eau Claire, WI
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Eau Claire, WI is $61,980. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 53.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,620.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Eau Claire, WI economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Eau Claire, WI earns-4.2%below the national average.
$29.8
$1,192
$5,165
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Eau Claire, WI have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 53.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Eau Claire, WI
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Eau Claire, WI varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.0x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $27,690, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $82,620.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $46,485 | $22.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,880 | $27.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $77,475 | $37.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $82,620 | $39.7 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Eau Claire, WI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $61,980 to $61,980.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.632
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Eau Claire, WI has 0.53x 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.
50 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Eau Claire, WI.
Only 0.632 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,560↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Rochester, MN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,980↑ 6% | 74 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,260↑ 5% | 87 mi |
| Wausau, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,480↑ 4% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eau Claire, WI
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Eau Claire, WI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Eau Claire, WI is $61,980. This typically ranges from $27,690 for entry-level positions to $82,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eau Claire, WI is 4.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Eau Claire, WI a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Eau Claire, WI is $61,980 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Eau Claire, WI. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Eau Claire, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eau Claire, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($59,560) and Rochester, MN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Eau Claire, WI area with a job density of 0.632 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 Eau Claire, WI