Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Altoona, PA
Cooks in Altoona, PA, earn an average annual salary of $31,190, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand for culinary professionals within a particular region, impacting overall compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,000.
- Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in Altoona, PA, is characterized by a local workforce of 550 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1, the concentration of cooks in Altoona is on par with the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Altoona, PA earns-17.3%below the national average.
$15
$600
$2,599
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona's restaurant cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, evolving culinary trends, and increased operational costs for restaurants likely contribute to incremental increases in cook salaries.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression for Cooks in Altoona, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,470 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,393 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,320 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,988 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,000 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,190 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Altoona is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally affordable nor expensive.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
9.404
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, Altoona, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1 for Cooks in Altoona, PA, indicates that the industry's presence and employment concentration are exactly at the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the number of cooks is neither disproportionately high nor low compared to the overall workforce, implying a steady but not overly competitive job environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,230↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,360↑ 10% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,260↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,480↑ 7% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,080↑ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Altoona, PA is $31,190. This typically ranges from $20,470 for entry-level positions to $38,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 17.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Altoona, PA, is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average salary of $31,190 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($30,230) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Altoona, PA, earn an average of $31,190 annually, which is approximately 17.2% less than the national average salary of $37,700.
What is the job market like for cooks in Altoona, PA?
The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 550 cooks and a concentration (Location Quotient) at the national average, indicating a consistent demand.
Does the cost of living in Altoona affect the cook's salary?
The cost of living in Altoona is at the national average (100), meaning the lower-than-average salary of $31,190 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but doesn't offer extra financial advantage.
How much does experience impact a cook's salary in Altoona?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level cooks earning less, while senior or specialized cooks can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression opportunities within the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 9.404 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 Altoona, PA