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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $58,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this culinary sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,830.
  • Outlook: The culinary landscape in Lexington-Fayette, KY, supports a workforce of 260 Chefs and Head Cooks. While the Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of nearly one job per thousand workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for skilled culinary professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,400

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-9.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.1

Weekly

$1,123

Monthly

$4,867

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,480$12.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$43,800$21.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$53,490$25.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$73,000$35.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$102,830$49.4

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,400 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial footing for professionals in the area.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

0.914

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.77x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the competition might be less intense compared to major metropolitan hubs, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$52,770↓ 10%28 mi
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$49,040↓ 16%28 mi
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$39,260↓ 33%28 mi
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$54,330↓ 7%28 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$52,260↓ 11%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $58,400. This typically ranges from $26,480 for entry-level positions to $102,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 9.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $58,400 is below the national average of $64,680, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($52,770) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is $58,400, which is lower than the national average of $64,680.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

There are approximately 260 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area.

How does the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY compare to the rest of the country?

The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is 0.77, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY affect the perceived value of the Chef and Head Cook salary?

The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is at the national average (100), meaning the $58,400 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 0.914 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY