Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Madison, WI
Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, can expect an average annual salary of $63,730. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Madison's culinary scene. While close to the national benchmark, this difference suggests a nuanced market for these skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,990.
- Outlook: Madison, WI, supports a dedicated workforce of 360 Chefs and Head Cooks. The location quotient of 0.75 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Madison compared to the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market. With 0.889 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, indicating opportunities for skilled culinary professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI earns-1.5%below the national average.
$30.6
$1,226
$5,311
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Madison's Chefs and Head Cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer preferences for dining experiences often drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for experienced culinary talent. This upward trajectory is likely reflected in Madison's local market, albeit potentially at a slightly different pace than the national average.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, is significantly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can earn considerably more, often reaching into the top percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and leadership in the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,500 | $19 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,798 | $23 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,190 | $29.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $79,663 | $38.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $84,990 | $40.9 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,730 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly in line with the national average. Professionals relocating to Madison can expect their earnings to provide a standard of living equivalent to the national median, making it a financially stable environment for culinary careers.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.889
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 0.75x 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 0.75, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not as dominant a feature of the local employment landscape compared to other regions. This can translate to a competitive environment for job seekers, as the supply of specialized roles might be more limited relative to the demand from employers seeking experienced culinary leadership.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,470↓ 2% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,440↓ 4% | 59 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,020↑ 5% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,770↓ 3% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI is $63,730. This typically ranges from $39,500 for entry-level positions to $84,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 1.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, moderately so.Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison earn an average of $63,730, which is very close to the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating stable purchasing power.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($62,470) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's chef salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, is $63,730, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI?
The location quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI, is 0.75, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Madison affect the chef salary?
No, the cost of living in Madison is at the national average (100), meaning the $63,730 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Madison, WI?
There are approximately 360 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Madison, WI, representing 0.889 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 0.889 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 Madison, WI