Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Knoxville, TN
Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $58,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of doing business influence compensation in this vibrant Tennessee city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,870.
- Outlook: The culinary landscape in Knoxville supports a dedicated workforce of 440 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable yet not overly saturated job market. The presence of over one job per thousand workers signifies consistent demand for skilled culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville, TN earns-9.6%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,125
$4,875
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized culinary talent, and the evolving dining scene.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and management skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $42,520 | $20.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,875 | $21.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $55,650 | $26.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $73,125 | $35.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $83,870 | $40.3 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,500 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for those considering a move.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
1.061
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly competitive, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without excessive competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,440↑ 14% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,120↓ 14% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,650↓ 15% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville, TN is $58,500. This typically ranges from $42,520 for entry-level positions to $83,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 9.6% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While Knoxville offers a stable job market for Chefs and Head Cooks, the average salary of $58,500 is below the national average of $64,680. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Asheville, NC ($66,440) and Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA.
How does Knoxville's cost of living compare to the national average?
Knoxville's cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means that the general expenses for goods and services in Knoxville are on par with the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville?
There are approximately 440 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Knoxville, TN area.
How does the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville compare nationally?
The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville is 0.9, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in Knoxville compared to the national average.
What is the job availability like for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville?
With 1.061 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent level of job availability for Chefs and Head Cooks in Knoxville, reflecting steady demand within the local culinary industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.061 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 Knoxville, TN