SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Tucson, AZ

Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson, AZ, can expect an average annual salary of $61,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, a difference often attributable to regional economic factors and the specific demand within Tucson's culinary landscape. While the nominal pay may be a touch lower, understanding the local market dynamics is key to assessing true earning potential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,820.
  • Outlook: Tucson's culinary sector supports a robust workforce of approximately 470 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles in Tucson is marginally higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for skilled culinary professionals within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,650

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson, AZ earns-4.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.6

Weekly

$1,186

Monthly

$5,138

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson, AZ, is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can earn substantially more, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,980$17.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$46,238$22.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$59,380$28.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$77,063$37
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$87,820$42.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $61,650 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for those considering a move or already residing in the area.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

1.229

Per 1K Jobs

1.04

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.04, Tucson, AZ has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

Tucson's market for Chefs and Head Cooks exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.04, indicating a concentration of these roles that is just slightly above the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present and perhaps even a bit more pronounced than in other areas, offering good opportunities for qualified individuals without being oversaturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$50,470↓ 18%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson, AZ is $61,650. This typically ranges from $36,980 for entry-level positions to $87,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 4.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Tucson's cost of living matches the national index, making the $61,650 salary hold its value effectively.

Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($50,470) and others.

How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?

Tucson has 1.229 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy local demand.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Tucson, AZ?

There are approximately 470 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Tucson, AZ, reflecting a notable presence in the local workforce.

Does experience impact salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tucson?

Absolutely. Senior roles and experienced professionals typically earn significantly more than entry-level positions, with salary increasing across different experience tiers.

How does Tucson's job market for Chefs and Head Cooks compare to other cities?

With a Location Quotient of 1.04, Tucson has a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average, suggesting a robust and competitive market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 1.229 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 Tucson, AZ