Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Lincoln, NE
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Lincoln, NE is $65,020. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,300.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lincoln, NE economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Lincoln, NE earns+0.5%above the national average.
$31.3
$1,250
$5,418
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Lincoln, NE have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 32.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Lincoln, NE varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $40,880, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $111,300.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $40,880 | $19.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $48,765 | $23.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $54,930 | $26.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $81,275 | $39.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $111,300 | $53.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lincoln, NE, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $65,020 to $65,020.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
0.669
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 0.57x 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.
120 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Lincoln, NE.
Only 0.669 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,780↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,450↑ 7% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,450↓ 22% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Lincoln, NE is $65,020. This typically ranges from $40,880 for entry-level positions to $111,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 0.5% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
Yes, Lincoln, NE is financially attractive for Chefs and Head Cookss. The average salary of $65,020 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($67,780) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 0.669 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lincoln, NE
- All Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Management Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Production Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Browse All Jobs in Lincoln, NE →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lincoln, NE