SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Salem, OR

In Salem, OR, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $61,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand exists, local economic factors and the specific culinary landscape may influence compensation levels. The cost of living in Salem aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to other regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,140.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in Salem, OR, for Chefs and Head Cooks appears stable, with a local workforce of 240 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly robust, demand for experienced culinary professionals within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,030

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR earns-5.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.3

Weekly

$1,174

Monthly

$5,086

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves up the culinary hierarchy.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$43,660$21
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$45,773$22
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$57,380$27.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$76,288$36.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$82,140$39.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal salary of $61,030 in Salem, OR, holds its value effectively against the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef or Head Cook's salary in Salem is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

1.299

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Salem, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.1, Salem, OR, presents a market where Chefs and Head Cooks are slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive environment for culinary professionals, indicating that while opportunities exist, employers may have a slightly wider pool of local talent to draw from compared to a national benchmark.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,550↓ 2%21 mi
Corvallis, OR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,530↓ 6%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$66,010↑ 8%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,860↓ 0%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR is $61,030. This typically ranges from $43,660 for entry-level positions to $82,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 5.6% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

It is moderately lucrative.Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR, earn an average of $61,030, which is close to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. While not exceptionally high-paying, the salary offers comparable purchasing power to many other regions.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

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

How does the average chef salary in Salem, OR compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR, is $61,030, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR?

Salem, OR has a Location Quotient of 1.1 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 Salem, OR affect the chef salary?

The cost of living in Salem, OR, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $61,030 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Salem, OR?

There are approximately 240 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Salem, OR.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 1.299 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 Salem, OR