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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Idaho

Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho earn an average annual salary of $54,940, which is notably below the national average of $64,680. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within Idaho's culinary sector, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,740.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 420 Chefs and Head Cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.42, the job market in Idaho for this profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderate demand relative to the national landscape, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for culinary professionals in the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,940

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho earns-15.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.4

Weekly

$1,057

Monthly

$4,578

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Idaho

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentile earnings reflecting substantial career advancement and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,000$17.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$41,205$19.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$50,010$24
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$68,675$33
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$79,740$38.3

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,781

Adjusted for COL (106.1)

The average annual salary of $54,940 in Idaho, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 106.1 (meaning it's 6.1% higher than the national average), suggests that the nominal income may not stretch as far as in lower-cost areas. Potential residents should carefully consider this when evaluating the financial viability of relocating for a culinary position in Idaho.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

0.5

Per 1K Jobs

0.42

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.42x, Idaho has a notably lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.42 indicates that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Idaho's workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession exists, it is not a dominant sector within the state's employment landscape, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers or fewer specialized opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Boise City, ID Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,910↑ 5%96 mi

Comparing salaries near Idaho

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Idaho?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho is $54,940. This typically ranges from $36,000 for entry-level positions to $79,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Idaho is 15.1% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Idaho a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.Idaho's average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks is below the national average, and the cost of living is slightly higher, reducing purchasing power.

Is Idaho a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Idaho is 106.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Idaho?

Some top paying nearby cities include Boise City, ID ($57,910) and others.

How does the Idaho salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho is $54,940, which is $9,740 less than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho?

Idaho has a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.42, indicating fewer jobs per capita in this field.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Idaho?

With a Cost of Living Index of 106.1, Idaho is slightly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $54,940 salary may offer less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.

Are there many job opportunities for Chefs and Head Cooks in Idaho?

The number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 0.5, which is relatively low, suggesting a moderate to limited number of opportunities compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Idaho area with a job density of 0.5 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 Idaho