Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,720, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation reflects the robust economic activity and potentially higher operational costs within this major urban hub, influencing the wage structure for essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,980.
- Outlook: The Boston-Cambridge-Newton area supports a substantial workforce of 24,410 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant demand for culinary professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established job market for cooks in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+21.3%above the national average.
$22
$879
$3,810
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing demand for dining services and a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,910 | $16.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,290 | $16.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,970 | $22.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,150 | $27.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,980 | $27.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,720 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
24,410
Total Jobs
9.015
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 0.96x 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 0.96, the job market for Cooks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a healthy balance between the supply of and demand for culinary talent, suggesting that while competition exists, opportunities are readily available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $45,620↓ 0% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,910↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,550↓ 9% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,690↓ 15% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $44,760↓ 2% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $45,720. This typically ranges from $34,910 for entry-level positions to $57,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 21.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.Cooks in this area earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning increased earnings do not necessarily translate to greater disposable income.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($45,620) and Worcester, MA.
How does the number of cooks in Boston compare to the national average?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has a substantial workforce of 24,410 Cooks, Restaurant, and its Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.
What is the typical salary range for a Cook in Boston?
While the average is $45,720, salaries can vary significantly. Entry-level positions will be at the lower end, while experienced chefs or cooks in high-end establishments can earn considerably more, reaching into the upper salary percentiles.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Boston?
Yes, experience is a major factor. Senior cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record command higher salaries, reflecting their value and expertise in the kitchen.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in Boston?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher average salary of $45,720 for cooks is offset by comparable living expenses, making the real purchasing power similar to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,410 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 9.015 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH