Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $57,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific locale. The lower average salary can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,620.
- Outlook: The job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but not oversaturated demand for culinary leadership. This equilibrium points to consistent opportunities for skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-10.8%below the national average.
$27.7
$1,110
$4,809
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased consumer spending on dining, and a persistent demand for skilled culinary professionals likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial earning potential for those who advance to senior culinary management roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,150 | $14.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,283 | $20.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $56,390 | $27.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,138 | $34.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,620 | $38.3 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,710 in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power relative to the rest of the country, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.994
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 0.84x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce. This suggests a healthy balance where employers are actively seeking talent, but the competition among professionals is manageable. It presents a favorable environment for those looking to enter or advance their careers in the culinary field within this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,480↑ 12% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,770↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,290↑ 1% | 61 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,430↓ 0% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $57,710. This typically ranges from $30,150 for entry-level positions to $79,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 10.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $57,710 is competitive with the national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the role. The market shows a stable, but not booming, demand.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($64,480) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 210 suggests a smaller, more intimate job market. While this can mean less competition for roles, it also implies fewer overall openings compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.84 mean for chefs?
A Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that there are slightly fewer Chefs and Head Cooks per worker in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a moderate demand that is not overly saturated.
How does the Cost of Living impact the Chef salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $57,710 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would elsewhere in the country, offering good value.
What is the job density for Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?
The area has approximately 0.994 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks. This metric provides a snapshot of how prevalent these positions are within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.994 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 South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area