Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Wausau, WI
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Wausau, WI is $64,480. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 54.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,780.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wausau, WI economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Wausau, WI earns-0.3%below the national average.
$31
$1,240
$5,373
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Wausau, WI have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 54.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Wausau, WI varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $44,140, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $80,780.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,140 | $21.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $48,360 | $23.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $58,970 | $28.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $80,600 | $38.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $80,780 | $38.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wausau, WI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $64,480 to $64,480.
Job Market Context
40
Total Jobs
0.554
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Wausau, WI has a notably lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
40 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Wausau, WI.
Only 0.554 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. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,710↓ 10% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,280↓ 13% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,450↓ 9% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $44,230↓ 31% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,290↓ 10% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Wausau, WI is $64,480. This typically ranges from $44,140 for entry-level positions to $80,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 0.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Wausau, WI a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Wausau, WI is $64,480 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Wausau, WI. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($57,710) and Northeastern Wisconsin 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 40 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 0.554 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 Wausau, WI