Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Hampshire
Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire earn an average annual salary of $61,370. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand for culinary expertise is present, state-specific economic factors and operational costs may influence compensation levels. The unique culinary landscape and economic drivers within New Hampshire contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,170.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in New Hampshire, comprising 1,260 professionals, shows a notable concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.56. This indicates a higher prevalence of Chefs and Head Cooks per worker compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled culinary leadership within the state's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire earns-5.1%below the national average.
$29.5
$1,180
$5,114
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the culinary field, like many others, has experienced salary growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized dining experiences, and the need to attract and retain talent likely contribute to a positive upward trend in average salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in New Hampshire
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary training and management skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between lower and higher percentile earnings underscores the substantial career advancement and earning potential available through dedication and skill development in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,970 | $17.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $46,028 | $22.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $58,400 | $28.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $76,713 | $36.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $90,170 | $43.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,088
Adjusted for COL (115.6)
While the average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire stands at $61,370, the state's Cost of Living Index is 115.6, which is 15.6% higher than the national average. This means that the nominal salary may not stretch as far in terms of purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting for those relocating or residing in the state.
Job Market Context
1,260
Total Jobs
1.845
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
New Hampshire has 1.6x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.56 for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire signifies a market where this profession is 56% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with a strong presence of culinary talent, potentially indicating a healthy demand from employers seeking skilled individuals, but also a potentially crowded field for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,080↑ 1% | 33 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,720↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,100↑ 13% | 70 mi |
| Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,010↑ 14% | 70 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $77,100↑ 26% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Hampshire
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire is $61,370. This typically ranges from $36,970 for entry-level positions to $90,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Hampshire is 5.1% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is New Hampshire a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately, with caveats.New Hampshire offers a slightly below-average national salary for Chefs and Head Cooks, but the high concentration of these roles suggests good opportunities. However, the elevated cost of living means the purchasing power of the average salary is reduced.
Is New Hampshire a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in New Hampshire is 115.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Hampshire?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manchester-Nashua, NH ($62,080) and Portland-South Portland, ME.
How does the number of Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire compare nationally?
With 1,260 Chefs and Head Cooks, New Hampshire has a notable presence, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.56, meaning the profession is more concentrated there than the national average.
What is the average salary for a Chef or Head Cook in New Hampshire?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Hampshire is $61,370.
How does New Hampshire's cost of living affect a Chef's salary?
New Hampshire's cost of living is 15.6% higher than the national average, meaning the $61,370 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a more affordable region.
Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks growing in New Hampshire?
The Location Quotient of 1.56 suggests a strong concentration of these roles, implying consistent demand and a potentially robust job market for skilled culinary professionals in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the New Hampshire area with a job density of 1.845 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 New Hampshire