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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Oregon

Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $63,720, which is slightly below the national average of $64,680. This marginal difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the state's unique economic landscape and the specific demand within its culinary sector. Understanding these local dynamics is key to assessing compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,820.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,640 Chefs and Head Cooks, Oregon demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 57% higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially thriving job market for culinary professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,720

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon earns-1.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.6

Weekly

$1,225

Monthly

$5,310

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Oregon

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise in managing kitchen operations.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$44,470$21.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$47,790$23
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$60,270$29
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$79,650$38.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$87,820$42.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,361

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $63,720 in Oregon needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, suggests that while the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary may be further impacted by the higher cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

3,640

Total Jobs

1.851

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Oregon 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.

Oregon's Location Quotient of 1.57 signifies a notable concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these professionals is more robust and potentially more competitive in Oregon than in many other states, offering more opportunities but also potentially requiring a higher level of skill and experience to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,550↓ 7%51 mi
Bend, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,440↓ 4%52 mi
Salem, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,030↓ 4%53 mi
Corvallis, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,530↓ 10%59 mi
Eugene-Springfield, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,400↓ 10%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Oregon

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon is $63,720. This typically ranges from $44,470 for entry-level positions to $87,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Oregon is 1.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Oregon a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of roles and potential for career growth indicate strong opportunities. However, the higher cost of living requires careful financial planning.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Oregon is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Oregon?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($59,550) and Bend, OR.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Oregon has 1.851 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a stronger local demand for these roles.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon?

There are approximately 3,640 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Oregon, representing a substantial segment of the state's culinary workforce.

How does Oregon's salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oregon is $63,720, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.57 mean for chefs in Oregon?

A Location Quotient of 1.57 means that Chefs and Head Cooks are 57% more concentrated in Oregon's workforce compared to the national average, indicating higher demand and potentially more job availability.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,640 employees in the Oregon area with a job density of 1.851 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 Oregon