Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,250, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of doing business, and the specific demand within the local hospitality sector, which may not command the same wage premiums seen in larger metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,450 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the job market in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the total workforce size suggests a stable presence, the sub-average LQ implies that while opportunities exist, the demand might not be as robust or rapidly expanding as in more concentrated culinary regions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-17.1%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,604
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth, however, is likely to have been more modest compared to national averages, reflecting the economic dynamics of nonmetropolitan regions.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,000 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,438 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,210 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,063 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,200 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,250 in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas aligns directly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are balanced by lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,450
Total Jobs
7.81
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 0.83x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where the number of available positions is relatively in line with the workforce size, but perhaps not as saturated as in areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering stable, albeit not exceptionally high, employment prospects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,480↑ 1% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,360↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,490↑ 20% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,010↑ 12% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,930↑ 9% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $31,250. This typically ranges from $20,000 for entry-level positions to $38,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 17.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also average, the lower pay scale limits the earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($31,480) and State College, PA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.81 jobs per 1,000 workers, Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas have a slightly lower density of Cook, Restaurant positions compared to the national average, indicating a less concentrated job market for this profession.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in this region?
There are approximately 1,450 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local hospitality workforce.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The average annual salary of $31,250 in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas is approximately 17% lower than the national average of $37,700 for Cooks, Restaurant.
Does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, with a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the lower nominal salary of $31,250 means that the purchasing power of earnings for Cooks, Restaurant in this region is equivalent to the national average, despite the lower wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,450 employees in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.81 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 Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area