Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Montana
Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana earn an average annual salary of $58,090, which is below the national average of $64,680. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the specific demand within Montana's culinary sector and the overall cost structure of operating food establishments in the state. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living plays a crucial role in understanding the true purchasing power of these earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,990.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of approximately 500 Chefs and Head Cooks, Montana presents a moderately sized job market for these culinary professionals. The location quotient of 0.82 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions within the state. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers (0.974) points to consistent employment opportunities for skilled individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana earns-10.2%below the national average.
$27.9
$1,117
$4,841
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Montana's Chef and Head Cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving consumer demand for diverse culinary experiences typically drive salary increases in the food service industry. Therefore, professionals in this field in Montana likely have seen modest salary growth over recent years, reflecting broader economic conditions and the increasing value placed on skilled kitchen leadership.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Montana
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized culinary training, and proven leadership abilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would show a clear upward curve, with senior roles and head cook positions occupying the higher salary brackets, signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $38,020 | $18.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,568 | $20.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $55,650 | $26.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,613 | $34.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $78,990 | $38 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,341
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
Montana's nominal average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks stands at $58,090, while the Cost of Living Index is 106.9, meaning it is 6.9% more expensive to live in Montana than the national average. This indicates that while the take-home pay might seem lower compared to the national average, the actual purchasing power needs careful consideration. The higher cost of living suggests that the $58,090 salary may offer a slightly reduced standard of living compared to earning the national average in a location with a cost of living at 100.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
0.974
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Montana has 0.82x 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.82 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana signifies that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. An LQ below 1.0 suggests that while the profession exists and is necessary, it is not a dominant industry or a particularly abundant field within Montana's overall employment landscape. This could imply a stable job market with potentially less intense competition for skilled professionals, but also suggests that the sheer volume of opportunities might be somewhat limited compared to states with higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,090↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana is $58,090. This typically ranges from $38,020 for entry-level positions to $78,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 10.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Montana offers employment for Chefs and Head Cooks, the average salary of $58,090 is below the national average, and the cost of living is slightly higher. This combination suggests that it is not the most financially rewarding state for this profession when compared nationally.
Is Montana a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bozeman, MT ($63,090) and others.
How does the Montana salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana is $58,090, which is approximately $6,590 less than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana?
Montana has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.
Is the cost of living high in Montana for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, Montana's Cost of Living Index is 106.9, which is 6.9% higher than the national average, meaning daily expenses are somewhat elevated.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Montana?
There are approximately 500 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within Montana, representing about 0.974 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state's labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 0.974 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 Montana