Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Cooks in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $35,920. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially the cost of labor influence compensation in this region. While not reaching the national benchmark, the salary reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for culinary professionals within this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,600.
- Outlook: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area supports a robust workforce of 3,250 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established presence of this occupation. The density of 8.786 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for culinary talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-4.7%below the national average.
$17.3
$691
$2,993
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant professionals in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational costs for businesses, a rising demand for skilled culinary staff, and the general need to adjust wages to remain competitive in the labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant professionals in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior roles reflecting a greater depth of skill, responsibility, and proven performance in the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,770 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,940 | $13 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,750 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,900 | $21.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,600 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,920 for Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services in the area is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
3,250
Total Jobs
8.786
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.93x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is highly competitive and closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This suggests that while there is a steady demand, the number of available positions is relatively balanced with the number of qualified individuals, making it neither an exceptionally abundant nor a scarce market for culinary talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,820↓ 6% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,540↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↑ 3% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,930↓ 6% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,780↓ 9% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $35,920. This typically ranges from $21,770 for entry-level positions to $45,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 4.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,920 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential for the cost of living.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($33,820) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is $35,920, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is 0.93, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for a cook's salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the overall cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is the same as the national average, so the $35,920 salary has average purchasing power.
How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area?
There are approximately 3,250 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,250 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 8.786 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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ