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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,490. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for culinary professionals in this region. Local economic factors and demand likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,880.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,460 Chefs and Head Cooks, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area demonstrates a substantial presence in this culinary field. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a robust and active job market with consistent demand for skilled individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,490

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+5.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.9

Weekly

$1,317

Monthly

$5,708

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and responsibility. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$44,160$21.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$51,368$24.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$61,600$29.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$85,613$41.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$94,880$45.6

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,490

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $68,490 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. Consequently, the compensation is well-balanced with the cost of essential goods and services, making it a financially stable location.

Job Market Context

1,460

Total Jobs

1.014

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.86x 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 0.86 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals. The presence of 1.014 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of a healthy demand within the local culinary sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$54,950↓ 20%32 mi
North Florida nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$56,500↓ 18%49 mi
South Florida nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$72,710↑ 6%49 mi
Homosassa Springs, FL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$52,570↓ 23%60 mi
Wildwood-The Villages, FL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$64,940↓ 5%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $68,490. This typically ranges from $44,160 for entry-level positions to $94,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 5.9% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $68,490 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating strong purchasing power for culinary professionals.

Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($54,950) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater salary compare to the national average?

Chefs and Head Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater earn an average of $68,490 annually, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area?

There are approximately 1,460 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks competitive in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?

With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially favorable environment for job seekers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 1.014 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL