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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Tennessee

Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $62,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating a nuanced compensation landscape within the state. Factors such as regional economic conditions, the prevalence of specific culinary industries, and the overall demand for skilled kitchen leadership contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $62,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,010.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,720 Chefs and Head Cooks, Tennessee presents a moderately sized employment pool for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.7 suggests that this role is slightly less concentrated in Tennessee compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the general workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$62,210

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee earns-3.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.9

Weekly

$1,196

Monthly

$5,184

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can expect to earn substantially more. The gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles reflects the career ladder available, rewarding those who advance their skills and responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$40,810$19.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$46,658$22.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$59,470$28.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$77,763$37.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$87,010$41.8

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$62,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,816

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $62,210 in Tennessee is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. Since the index is below the national average of 100, this means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in Tennessee is likely higher than the nominal difference in pay might suggest, offering a potentially comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

2,720

Total Jobs

0.83

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tennessee has 0.70x 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 0.7 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee indicates that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable with 0.83 jobs per 1,000 workers, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$68,230↑ 10%29 mi
Clarksville, TN-KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$50,070↓ 20%67 mi
Huntsville, AL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$65,060↑ 5%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee is $62,210. This typically ranges from $40,810 for entry-level positions to $87,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 3.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Moderately so, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living index means that earnings can stretch further. The market is stable, offering opportunities for career growth.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($68,230) and Clarksville, TN-KY.

How does Tennessee's chef salary compare to the national average?

Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee earn an average of $62,210 annually, which is approximately $2,470 less than the national average of $64,680.

What is the job concentration for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee?

The Location Quotient for this role in Tennessee is 0.7, meaning it is less concentrated than the national average. There are approximately 0.83 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

How does the cost of living affect a chef's salary in Tennessee?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average (100). This means the $62,210 salary offers a relatively good purchasing power for residents.

What is the size of the chef workforce in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,720 Chefs and Head Cooks, representing a stable segment of the state's culinary industry workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,720 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.83 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 Tennessee