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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Erie, PA

Cooks in Erie, Pennsylvania, can expect an average annual salary of $31,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation for this role in Erie. The specific economic conditions and demand within the Erie region play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,200.
  • Outlook: Erie, PA, hosts a substantial workforce of 1,310 Cooks, Restaurant, with a location quotient of 1.16, suggesting a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, demand for culinary professionals within the local job market. The presence of nearly 11 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for skilled cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,160

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Erie, PA earns-17.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15

Weekly

$599

Monthly

$2,597

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Erie, PA

Salary progression for Cooks in Erie, PA, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,030$9.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,370$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,830$14.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,950$18.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,200$18.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $31,160 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal earnings for a Cook in Erie, PA, hold purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present an immediate disadvantage, suggesting that the financial impact of this salary is relatively balanced within the local economic context.

Job Market Context

1,310

Total Jobs

10.932

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Erie, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

The location quotient of 1.16 for Cooks in Erie, PA, signifies a slightly higher concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not saturated, there is a discernible demand for cooks that is somewhat more pronounced in Erie than in many other parts of the country, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the overall workforce size.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Youngstown-Warren, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,900↓ 1%76 mi
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,990↑ 28%83 mi
Cleveland, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,860↑ 15%94 mi

Comparing salaries near Erie, PA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Erie, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Erie, PA is $31,160. This typically ranges from $20,030 for entry-level positions to $39,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 17.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Erie, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks in Erie, PA, is below the national average, indicating less competitive pay compared to other regions.

Is Erie, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($30,900) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.

How does the Erie cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Erie, PA, is $31,160, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the cost of living in Erie, PA for cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.

How many cooks are employed in Erie, PA?

There are approximately 1,310 Cooks employed in Erie, PA, representing about 10.932 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Is there high demand for cooks in Erie, PA?

With a location quotient of 1.16, there is a slightly higher concentration of cook jobs in Erie compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 10.932 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Erie, PA