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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Indiana

Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $60,190, which is notably below the national average of $64,680. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the state's hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $60,190 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,060.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,140 individuals in this role, Indiana presents a moderate employment landscape for Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.3 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Indiana compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated market but also potentially lower overall demand relative to other states.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$60,190

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana earns-6.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.9

Weekly

$1,158

Monthly

$5,016

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Indiana

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their expertise and leadership capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,620$17.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$45,143$21.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$57,140$27.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$75,238$36.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$90,060$43.3

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$60,190

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,878

Adjusted for COL (90)

The average annual salary of $60,190 in Indiana offers a reasonable standard of living, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 90. This means that the purchasing power of an Indiana-based Chef's salary is slightly higher than the national average, allowing for greater financial flexibility compared to living in more expensive states.

Job Market Context

1,140

Total Jobs

0.356

Per 1K Jobs

0.3

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.30x, Indiana 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.3 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana suggests that the job market for these professionals is less concentrated than the national average. This could imply fewer job openings relative to the size of the workforce compared to other states, potentially making the market less competitive for job seekers but also indicating a smaller overall industry presence.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,940↑ 1%8 mi
Bloomington, IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,210↑ 2%49 mi

Comparing salaries near Indiana

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana is $60,190. This typically ranges from $36,620 for entry-level positions to $90,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 6.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, Indiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average.The average salary of $60,190 is below the national average of $64,680, although the lower cost of living offers some compensation.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($60,940) and Bloomington, IN.

How does Indiana's average Chef salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Indiana is $60,190, which is approximately $4,490 less than the national average of $64,680.

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

Indiana has a Location Quotient of 0.3 for this profession, indicating that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly lower than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Indiana affect the Chef salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (100 being the national average), Indiana's lower cost of living means that the $60,190 salary has a slightly higher purchasing power than it would in a higher-cost state.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Indiana?

There are approximately 1,140 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Indiana, representing a small but dedicated segment of the state's workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,140 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 0.356 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 Indiana