Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Cooks in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, earn an average annual salary of $42,420, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This salary differential is often influenced by local economic factors, including the specific demand for culinary professionals and the overall cost structure within the region, making Amherst Town-Northampton a potentially attractive location for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,810.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, appears stable, with a total workforce of 630 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced demand and supply dynamic within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns+12.5%above the national average.
$20.4
$816
$3,535
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and increasing operational costs for dining establishments nationwide. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this field.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps reflecting this valuable career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,815 | $15.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,450 | $20.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,025 | $25.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $53,810 | $25.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,420 in Amherst Town-Northampton, 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 cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
8.909
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has 0.95x 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 0.95, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive market where opportunities are readily available, but perhaps not overwhelmingly abundant, suggesting a steady demand for skilled culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,140↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,910↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,870↓ 1% | 38 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,720↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $45,620↑ 8% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $42,420. This typically ranges from $31,580 for entry-level positions to $53,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 12.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $42,420 is above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating good relative earning potential.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($42,140) and Worcester, MA.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?
Cooks in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earn approximately $4,720 more annually than the national average, with an average salary of $42,420 compared to the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, which is very close to the national average of 1.0, indicating a similar level of employment for this role compared to other occupations in the area.
How many Cooks, Restaurant are there in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
There are approximately 630 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The cost of living in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is at the national average (100), meaning the $42,420 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial proposition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 8.909 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- All Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Management Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Browse All Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA