Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Wisconsin
Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $62,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand for culinary expertise exists, local economic factors and market saturation may influence compensation levels within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,560.
- Outlook: Wisconsin's culinary landscape supports a dedicated workforce of 2,130 Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.62 indicates a concentration of these roles that is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but perhaps less robust market compared to national trends. Nevertheless, with 0.73 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of these vital positions within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin earns-3.7%below the national average.
$30
$1,198
$5,192
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, the culinary industry nationwide has generally seen steady growth in demand for skilled professionals. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin have also experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased consumer spending on dining experiences.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Wisconsin
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and management skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to establishments.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,180 | $15.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $46,725 | $22.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,170 | $28.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $77,875 | $37.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $90,560 | $43.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,791
Adjusted for COL (91.9)
With an average annual salary of $62,300 and a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (meaning it's 8.1% cheaper than the national average), the nominal income in Wisconsin offers a favorable purchasing power. This suggests that the take-home pay for Chefs and Head Cooks can stretch further in Wisconsin compared to more expensive regions, making the state an attractive option for those prioritizing affordability.
Job Market Context
2,130
Total Jobs
0.73
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Wisconsin has 0.62x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin signifies that the profession is less concentrated than the national average. This could indicate fewer specialized culinary roles or a broader distribution of culinary talent across various types of establishments. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it suggests that opportunities might be more dispersed rather than concentrated in specific culinary hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,480↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,770↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,290↓ 6% | 61 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,430↓ 8% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wisconsin
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin is $62,300. This typically ranges from $32,180 for entry-level positions to $90,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 3.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $62,300 is respectable, it falls below the national average of $64,680. However, the lower cost of living index of 91.9 does enhance the purchasing power of this salary.
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wisconsin?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($64,480) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the cost of living in Wisconsin affect a Chef's salary?
Wisconsin's Cost of Living Index is 91.9, which is below the national average. This means that the $62,300 average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks provides a higher effective purchasing power than the same salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
Is there high demand for Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin?
The demand is moderate, with 0.73 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market but not necessarily explosive demand.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin?
There are approximately 2,130 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Wisconsin, representing a significant segment of the state's food service industry.
How does Wisconsin's average Chef salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Wisconsin is $62,300, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,130 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 0.73 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 Wisconsin