Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Syracuse, NY
Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse, NY, can expect an average annual salary of $64,860, a figure that aligns closely with the national average of $64,680. This parity suggests that local economic factors and the demand for culinary expertise in Syracuse are well-balanced with broader industry trends. The stability in pay reflects a mature market where compensation is driven by skill and experience rather than significant regional premiums or discounts.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,590.
- Outlook: The Syracuse culinary landscape supports a local workforce of 340 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these professionals in Syracuse is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for their skills. The presence of 1.149 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy job market where opportunities are readily available for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse, NY earns+0.3%above the national average.
$31.2
$1,247
$5,405
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Syracuse is not provided, the culinary industry nationally has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by evolving consumer tastes and the expansion of the food service sector. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse have mirrored this trend, experiencing gradual increases as demand for skilled kitchen leadership has remained robust.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Syracuse, NY
The career trajectory for Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the progression and rewards associated with advancing through the ranks, from line cook to sous chef to head cook.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $45,720 | $22 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $48,645 | $23.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,020 | $29.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $81,075 | $39 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $92,590 | $44.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Syracuse, the average annual salary of $64,860 is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in Syracuse is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary translates directly into a comparable standard of living, making Syracuse a financially sound choice for culinary talent.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
1.149
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Syracuse, NY has 0.97x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.97 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse indicates that the employment concentration in this role is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market; while there isn't an oversupply of culinary professionals, the demand is consistent with national patterns. This equilibrium provides a solid foundation for career growth without the intense competition often seen in highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ithaca, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,920↓ 5% | 45 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,170↑ 2% | 46 mi |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,820↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| Binghamton, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,880↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| Elmira, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,170↓ 1% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Syracuse, NY
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Syracuse, NY?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse, NY is $64,860. This typically ranges from $45,720 for entry-level positions to $92,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Syracuse, NY is 0.3% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Syracuse, NY a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, Syracuse offers a financially stable environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $64,860 is on par with the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings maintain strong purchasing power.
Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Syracuse, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Syracuse, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ithaca, NY ($61,920) and Utica-Rome, NY.
How does the Syracuse job market compare to the national average for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The job market in Syracuse is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating a balanced demand and supply of culinary professionals.
What is the average salary for a Chef or Head Cook in Syracuse, NY?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Syracuse, NY, is $64,860.
Does the cost of living in Syracuse affect the value of a Chef's salary?
No, the cost of living in Syracuse is at the national average (100), meaning the $64,860 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Syracuse?
There are approximately 340 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Syracuse area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Syracuse, NY area with a job density of 1.149 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Syracuse, NY
- All Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Management Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Production Occupations Salary in Syracuse, NY
- Browse All Jobs in Syracuse, NY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Syracuse, NY