Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,630. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a localized premium for culinary expertise. The distinct economic landscape and demand within this region contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,690.
- Outlook: The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area supports a robust culinary workforce of 3,740 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+4.6%above the national average.
$32.5
$1,301
$5,636
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in skilled trades and hospitality sectors. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, rising operational costs for establishments, and a sustained demand for quality culinary talent.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,730 | $21.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,723 | $24.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $63,360 | $30.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $84,538 | $40.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $93,690 | $45 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $67,630 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents within the area.
Job Market Context
3,740
Total Jobs
1.305
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates that Chefs and Head Cooks are slightly more concentrated in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure top talent, while also implying a strong presence of culinary establishments that require these skilled roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $74,420↑ 10% | 28 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $75,110↑ 11% | 35 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,680↓ 9% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,350↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,660↓ 7% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $67,630. This typically ranges from $44,730 for entry-level positions to $93,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 4.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Chefs and Head Cooks in this region earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for culinary professionals.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($74,420) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $67,630, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.1, indicating a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $67,630 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the size of the local workforce for this role?
There are approximately 3,740 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,740 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 1.305 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD