Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tuscaloosa, AL is $67,910. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 73.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,080.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Tuscaloosa, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Tuscaloosa, AL earns+5.0%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,306
$5,659
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Tuscaloosa, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 73.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Tuscaloosa, AL varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $36,710, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $94,080.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,710 | $17.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,933 | $24.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $69,560 | $33.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $84,888 | $40.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $94,080 | $45.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Tuscaloosa, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,910 to $67,910.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.81
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Tuscaloosa, AL has 0.69x 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.
90 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Only 0.81 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,080↓ 1% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,710↓ 12% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tuscaloosa, AL is $67,910. This typically ranges from $36,710 for entry-level positions to $94,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 5.0% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
Yes, Tuscaloosa, AL is financially attractive for Chefs and Head Cookss. The average salary of $67,910 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($67,080) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 0.81 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL