Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Worcester, MA
Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester, MA, command an impressive average annual salary of $69,880, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic dynamics and demand within the Worcester metropolitan area, suggesting a robust culinary job market that values experienced professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 Chefs and Head Cooks and a Location Quotient of 1.05, Worcester demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a stable and potentially growing demand for culinary leadership, suggesting a healthy job market for those in this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester, MA earns+8.0%above the national average.
$33.6
$1,344
$5,823
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals, and the overall economic health of the region likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester, MA, is typically marked by significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to a culinary establishment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $47,400 | $22.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $52,410 | $25.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $69,210 | $33.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $87,350 | $42 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $94,420 | $45.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,880 in Worcester, MA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in Worcester is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
1.239
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Worcester, MA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.05 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there is a healthy demand that supports this concentration, indicating a competitive yet accessible market for skilled culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $78,980↑ 13% | 14 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $81,590↑ 17% | 37 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,480↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $77,100↑ 10% | 37 mi |
| Springfield, MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,550↓ 3% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester, MA is $69,880. This typically ranges from $47,400 for entry-level positions to $94,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 8.0% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, Worcester, MA offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $69,880 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing the real value of this higher pay.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($78,980) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does the Worcester Chef salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester earn an average of $69,880 annually, which is approximately $5,200 more than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester?
Worcester has a Location Quotient of 1.05 for Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Worcester affect Chef salaries?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher salary of $69,880 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
What does the job market look like for Chefs and Head Cooks in Worcester?
The market is robust, with a slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.05) and a total local workforce of 440, suggesting consistent demand for culinary leadership.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 1.239 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 Worcester, MA