Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Delaware
Cooks in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $37,450, which is marginally below the national average of $37,700. This slight difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the state's hospitality sector and the overall cost of doing business for restaurants in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,520.
- Outlook: Delaware boasts a robust job market for Cooks, Restaurant, with a total local workforce of 5,460 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a potentially stable job environment for culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Delaware earns-0.7%below the national average.
$18
$720
$3,121
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Delaware have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased consumer spending on dining, and a competitive labor market typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled positions.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Delaware
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Delaware typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,590 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,088 | $13.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,820 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,813 | $22.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,520 | $22.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,153
Adjusted for COL (100.8)
The average annual salary of $37,450 in Delaware aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 100.8. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Delaware is very close to the national average, indicating that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
5,460
Total Jobs
11.462
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Delaware has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.22, Delaware shows a notable concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in Delaware is more specialized or in higher demand for these roles than the average state, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,400↓ 8% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,980↑ 4% | 29 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↓ 1% | 47 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,650↑ 11% | 56 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,230↑ 2% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Delaware
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Delaware?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Delaware is $37,450. This typically ranges from $29,590 for entry-level positions to $46,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Delaware is 0.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Delaware a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.Delaware offers a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs than the national average. While the average salary is just under the national mark, the cost of living is also very close to the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Delaware a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Delaware is 100.8. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Delaware?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dover, DE ($34,400) and Vineland, NJ.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Delaware?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Delaware is $37,450.
How does Delaware's Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks in Delaware ($37,450) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700).
Is there high demand for Cooks in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware has a higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22.
How does the cost of living affect a Cook's salary in Delaware?
The cost of living in Delaware is very close to the national average (100.8), meaning the $37,450 salary offers a purchasing power that is also very close 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 5,460 employees in the Delaware area with a job density of 11.462 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 Delaware