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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Nebraska

Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska earn an impressive average annual salary of $66,690, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This favorable compensation is influenced by a combination of local economic factors and the specific demands within Nebraska's culinary sector. The state's unique market dynamics contribute to this elevated pay scale for experienced culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,690 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,300.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska, while modest in size with a total local workforce of 600, shows a concentration of 0.5, indicating a specialized demand. With 0.595 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these roles suggests a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape for culinary leadership.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,690

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska earns+3.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.1

Weekly

$1,283

Monthly

$5,558

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Nebraska

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska is significantly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can expect to earn substantially more. The widening gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries clearly signifies the career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$50,018$24
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$58,390$28.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$83,363$40.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$111,300$53.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,690

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,447

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The average annual salary of $66,690 in Nebraska offers excellent purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing culinary professionals to enjoy a better standard of living compared to many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

600

Total Jobs

0.595

Per 1K Jobs

0.5

Location Quotient

Below Average

Nebraska has 0.50x 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 0.5, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of these specialized roles might be more limited relative to other professions, potentially creating opportunities for skilled individuals but also indicating a less saturated job market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Lincoln, NE Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$65,020↓ 3%86 mi

Comparing salaries near Nebraska

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska is $66,690. 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 Nebraska is 3.1% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Nebraska a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, Nebraska offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $66,690 exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances the financial benefits for culinary professionals in the state.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Nebraska?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lincoln, NE ($65,020) and others.

How does Nebraska's chef salary compare to the national average?

Chefs and Head Cooks in Nebraska earn an average of $66,690 annually, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the cost of living in Nebraska compared to the national average?

Nebraska has a Cost of Living Index of 90.8, making it more affordable than the national average index of 100.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Nebraska?

There are approximately 600 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Nebraska.

Is the job market for chefs competitive in Nebraska?

With a Location Quotient of 0.5, the market is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting it may be less competitive for skilled chefs.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Nebraska area with a job density of 0.595 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 Nebraska