SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,020. This figure surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a strong local demand for culinary expertise. Factors such as the region's vibrant food scene and the specific needs of its hospitality establishments likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,860.
  • Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha culinary job market, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.67, supports a local workforce of 640 Chefs and Head Cooks. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the region, suggesting consistent employment opportunities for skilled individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,020

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+3.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.2

Weekly

$1,289

Monthly

$5,585

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary backgrounds and management skills can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$43,670$21
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$50,265$24.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$62,980$30.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$83,775$40.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$91,860$44.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$67,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $67,020 in Milwaukee-Waukesha 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for culinary professionals.

Job Market Context

640

Total Jobs

0.787

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 0.67x 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 0.67, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area has a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is stable, there may be fewer specialized roles or a less saturated pool of candidates, potentially offering competitive advantages for highly skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $67,020. This typically ranges from $43,670 for entry-level positions to $91,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 3.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $67,020 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($61,820) and Kenosha, WI.

How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha is $67,020, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the Cost of Living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Chef and Head Cook job market in Milwaukee-Waukesha?

The job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha has a Location Quotient of 0.67, indicating a lower concentration than the national average.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Milwaukee-Waukesha?

There are approximately 640 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 0.787 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.