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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Rapid City, SD

The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Rapid City, SD is $47,680. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Rapid City, SD may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,460.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Rapid City, SD economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,680

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Rapid City, SD earns-26.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.9

Weekly

$917

Monthly

$3,973

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Rapid City, SD varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $40,070, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $54,460.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$40,070$19.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$35,760$17.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,660$22.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$59,600$28.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$54,460$26.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Rapid City, SD, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $47,680 to $47,680.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

0.782

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rapid City, SD has 0.66x 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.

60 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Rapid City, SD.

Only 0.782 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Rapid City, SD is $47,680. This typically ranges from $40,070 for entry-level positions to $54,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 26.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Rapid City, SD is $47,680 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Rapid City, SD. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 0.782 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 Rapid City, SD