Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Owensboro, KY
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Owensboro, KY is $43,410. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Owensboro, KY may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,790.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Owensboro, KY economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Owensboro, KY earns-32.9%below the national average.
$20.9
$835
$3,618
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Owensboro, KY have seen a slight adjustment of -5.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Owensboro, KY varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $25,040, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $66,790.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,040 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,558 | $15.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,030 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,263 | $26.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $66,790 | $32.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Owensboro, KY, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $43,410 to $43,410.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.715
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Owensboro, KY has 0.60x 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.
30 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Owensboro, KY.
Only 0.715 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,990↑ 38% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,970↑ 13% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $38,420↓ 11% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $52,260↑ 20% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,070↑ 15% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Owensboro, KY is $43,410. This typically ranges from $25,040 for entry-level positions to $66,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 32.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Owensboro, KY is $43,410 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Owensboro, KY. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($59,990) and Bowling Green, KY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 0.715 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 Owensboro, KY