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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Mississippi

Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $50,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's culinary sector. The compensation landscape in Mississippi is shaped by a combination of local market dynamics and the overall cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,420.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 950 individuals in this profession, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi is moderately sized. The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that this role is less concentrated in Mississippi compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding job market. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 0.815, further supports the notion of a steady demand rather than a surge.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,150

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi earns-22.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$964

Monthly

$4,179

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Mississippi

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,580$13.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$37,613$18.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$44,990$21.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$62,688$30.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$80,420$38.7

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,843

Adjusted for COL (86.7)

The average annual salary of $50,150 in Mississippi presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 86.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the nominal income earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi likely offers a higher purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

950

Total Jobs

0.815

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Mississippi has 0.69x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that Mississippi has a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry within the state's workforce. Consequently, the job market might be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, but also implying a smaller overall demand compared to states with higher LQs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Jackson, MS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$53,810↑ 7%43 mi

Comparing salaries near Mississippi

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Mississippi?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi is $50,150. This typically ranges from $28,580 for entry-level positions to $80,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 22.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary of $50,150 significantly trails the national average of $64,680 for Chefs and Head Cooks.

Is Mississippi a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($53,810) and others.

How does the cost of living in Mississippi affect Chef salaries?

Mississippi's lower cost of living (86.7 index) means that the average salary of $50,150 offers relatively good purchasing power locally, even though it's below the national average salary.

What is the job market like for Chefs and Head Cooks in Mississippi?

The market is moderately sized with a total workforce of 950, and a lower concentration (LQ of 0.69) compared to the national average, suggesting steady but not explosive demand.

Can experienced Chefs and Head Cooks earn more in Mississippi?

Yes, experience and seniority are key drivers of higher salaries, allowing professionals to move into higher earning percentiles within the state's culinary field.

How does Mississippi's chef workforce compare nationally?

Mississippi has fewer chefs and head cooks per capita than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.69, suggesting a less saturated market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 0.815 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 Mississippi