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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Dakota

Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota can expect an average annual salary of $47,900. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,680, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's culinary sector. The concentration of these roles and the overall job market dynamics in South Dakota contribute to this salary differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,390.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this profession, the culinary job market in South Dakota presents a moderate landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated as in other regions. This could imply a stable, albeit less competitive, job environment for skilled culinary professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,900

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota earns-25.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23

Weekly

$921

Monthly

$3,992

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership capabilities can earn considerably more. The gap between the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile salaries often signifies the career advancement and earning potential available through dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$37,640$18.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$35,925$17.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,510$22.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$59,875$28.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$55,390$26.6

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,179

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $47,900 in South Dakota should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a $47,900 salary may extend further in South Dakota than in higher-cost regions. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can offer a comparable or even improved standard of living for culinary professionals.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

0.64

Per 1K Jobs

0.54

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Dakota has 0.54x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.54 for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less saturated job market, which could translate to more opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment. However, it also implies that the demand for these specific roles might be more niche within the state's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota is $47,900. This typically ranges from $37,640 for entry-level positions to $55,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 25.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, but cost of living offers value.The average salary of $47,900 is below the national average, indicating it's not the most lucrative state. However, the lower cost of living index of 91.8 means your earnings may stretch further than in higher-cost areas.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 0.64 jobs per 1,000 workers, South Dakota has a lower concentration of Chef and Head Cook positions compared to the national average, reflecting the state's specific labor market dynamics.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota?

There are approximately 290 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in South Dakota, representing a specific segment of the state's workforce.

How does the Location Quotient affect job opportunities?

A Location Quotient of 0.54 suggests that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in South Dakota than the national average, potentially indicating fewer but perhaps more accessible opportunities for those with the right skills.

Is the cost of living significantly lower in South Dakota?

Yes, with a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average (100), which can help offset the lower average salary for culinary professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 0.64 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 South Dakota