Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Lake Charles, LA is $40,250. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,640.
- 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 Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Lake Charles, LA earns-37.8%below the national average.
$19.4
$774
$3,354
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Lake Charles, LA have remained stable with a modest increase of 0.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.3x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $19,930, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $65,640.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,930 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,188 | $14.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,760 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,313 | $24.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $65,640 | $31.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $40,250 to $40,250.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.455
Per 1K Jobs
0.38
Location Quotient
At 0.38x, Lake Charles, LA 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.
50 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.455 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $51,180↑ 27% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $36,210↓ 10% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $71,930↑ 79% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Lake Charles, LA is $40,250. This typically ranges from $19,930 for entry-level positions to $65,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 37.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Lake Charles, LA is $40,250 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lake Charles, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($51,180) and Lafayette, LA.
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 Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.455 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 Lake Charles, LA