Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Cooks in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $40,340, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher local compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demands of the regional culinary scene and the overall economic landscape of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,260.
- Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy region supports a dedicated workforce of 2,940 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the area shows a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 6.629 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+7.0%above the national average.
$19.4
$776
$3,362
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant professionals across the United States have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and evolving dining trends, suggesting that the average salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy has likely also experienced positive growth.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior culinary roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,150 | $16.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,255 | $14.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,425 | $24.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,260 | $23.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,340 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in this region holds its purchasing power at the national average. Consequently, relocating to Albany-Schenectady-Troy as a cook offers a salary that is neither significantly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective when compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
2,940
Total Jobs
6.629
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.70x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.7 for Cooks, Restaurant in Albany-Schenectady-Troy indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may not be saturated with culinary professionals, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment. Employers might need to actively recruit to fill open positions, which could translate to better negotiation power for experienced candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,870↑ 4% | 31 mi |
| Glens Falls, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,930↓ 1% | 45 mi |
| Kingston, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,120↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,290↓ 0% | 68 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,550↑ 8% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $40,340. This typically ranges from $34,150 for entry-level positions to $48,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 7.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average.Cooks in this region earn $40,340 annually, which is higher than the national average. However, the cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the increased salary doesn't translate to significantly greater purchasing power.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($41,870) and Glens Falls, NY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, earn an average of $40,340 annually, which is approximately $2,640 more than the national average salary of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY for Cooks?
The cost of living in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How many Cooks work in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area?
There are approximately 2,940 Cooks employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Cooks competitive in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable demand and potentially less intense competition for skilled Cooks compared to national trends.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,940 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 6.629 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY