Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Dover, DE
In Dover, DE, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $34,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone in or considering this culinary profession in the Delaware capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,990.
- Outlook: Dover, DE supports a local workforce of 610 Cooks, Restaurant, representing 8.954 jobs per 1,000 workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals within the city's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Dover, DE earns-8.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$662
$2,867
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover, DE is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff, and the rising cost of culinary education and training.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Dover, DE, like elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,500 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,800 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,520 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,000 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,990 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Dover, DE is $34,400. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly in line with the rest of the country. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Dover is also at the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
8.954
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Dover, DE 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.95 for Cooks, Restaurant in Dover, DE signifies a job market that is closely aligned with national employment patterns for this profession. This suggests a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for culinary talent. The market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,980↑ 8% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,980↑ 13% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,440↑ 3% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↑ 8% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,650↑ 21% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Dover, DE is $34,400. This typically ranges from $28,500 for entry-level positions to $43,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 8.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,400 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($36,980) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover, DE's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Dover, DE earn an average of $34,400 annually, which is approximately 8.75% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Dover, DE for Cooks?
Dover, DE has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the national benchmark. This aligns the lower nominal salary with the cost of living.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Dover, DE?
There are approximately 610 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Dover, DE, making up 8.954 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Dover, DE?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.95 indicating a concentration of roles very close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 8.954 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 Dover, DE