Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $39,260. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,420.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-39.3%below the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,272
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area have seen a slight adjustment of -13.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area 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 $23,950, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $63,420.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,950 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,445 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,590 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,075 | $23.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,420 | $30.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
In West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $39,260 to $39,260.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.537
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area 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.
70 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.537 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,400↑ 49% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $38,420↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $52,260↑ 33% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,760↑ 50% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $39,260. This typically ranges from $23,950 for entry-level positions to $63,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 39.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $39,260 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($58,400) and Elizabethtown, KY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.537 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area