Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $58,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation for these culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,960.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre culinary job market, with a total local workforce of 310 Chefs and Head Cooks, exhibits a healthy concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that this profession is slightly more prevalent in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-9.4%below the national average.
$28.2
$1,126
$4,881
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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a sustained demand for quality dining experiences likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as chefs gain expertise, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential escalates, with senior roles commanding substantially higher compensation, reflecting the value of their leadership and culinary acumen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $38,720 | $18.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,928 | $21.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,630 | $27.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $73,213 | $35.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,960 | $38.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,570 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where the local pay rate effectively matches the general cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.22
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a slightly more robust presence of these roles locally, implying a competitive yet accessible market for both employers seeking talent and professionals looking for opportunities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,880↑ 7% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,680↑ 5% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $68,610↑ 17% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,270↑ 8% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,670↑ 19% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $58,570. This typically ranges from $38,720 for entry-level positions to $79,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 9.4% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately. The salary is on par with the national cost of living, but slightly below the national average wage.While the average salary of $58,570 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is exactly at the national average. This creates a balanced financial standing for culinary professionals in the area.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($62,880) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local chef salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $58,570, which is approximately $6,110 less than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 1.03, indicating that the profession is slightly more concentrated locally than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is at the national average. Therefore, the $58,570 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of local workers suggest about the job market?
A local workforce of 310 Chefs and Head Cooks, combined with a Location Quotient slightly above average, suggests a stable and established market for culinary professionals in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.22 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA