SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Rochester, NY

Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester, NY, earn an average annual salary of $65,150, slightly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This marginal advantage is often influenced by local demand dynamics and the specific culinary landscape within the city. Rochester's unique economic factors contribute to this competitive compensation for skilled culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $65,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,600.
  • Outlook: Rochester's culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks appears stable, with a local workforce of 660 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.13 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that supports the current employment levels.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$65,150

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester, NY earns+0.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.3

Weekly

$1,253

Monthly

$5,429

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester is strongly tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries significantly above the average, often reaching the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$42,480$20.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$48,863$23.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$60,740$29.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$81,438$39.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$93,600$45

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$65,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,150

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Rochester, the average annual salary of $65,150 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef or Head Cook's salary in Rochester is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without significant cost-of-living pressures.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

1.34

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, Rochester, NY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.13, Rochester demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks than the national average. This suggests a robust and somewhat specialized market for these culinary professionals, indicating that while opportunities exist, the demand is present enough to support a slightly denser professional community.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$70,600↑ 8%65 mi
Syracuse, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$64,860↓ 0%75 mi
Ithaca, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,920↓ 5%75 mi
Elmira, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$64,170↓ 2%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Rochester, NY?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester, NY is $65,150. This typically ranges from $42,480 for entry-level positions to $93,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 0.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, Rochester, NY offers a competitive salary for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $65,150 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it financially favorable.

Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($70,600) and Syracuse, NY.

How does Rochester's Chef salary compare to the national average?

Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester earn an average of $65,150 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Rochester?

Rochester has a Location Quotient of 1.13 for Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Rochester affect Chef salaries?

Rochester's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $65,150 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

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

There are approximately 660 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Rochester, NY area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 1.34 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 Rochester, NY