SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lancaster, PA

Cooks in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, can expect an average annual salary of $34,730. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and economic factors in Lancaster may influence compensation for this role. Understanding these local nuances is key for culinary professionals in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,050.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,180 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Lancaster presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average in concentration, job market for these professionals. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 8.712, suggesting a consistent demand that aligns closely with national employment patterns for this occupation.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,730

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lancaster, PA earns-7.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$668

Monthly

$2,894

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lancaster, PA

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Lancaster, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,930$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,048$12.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,780$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,413$20.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,050$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,730 in Lancaster, PA, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Lancaster is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.

Job Market Context

2,180

Total Jobs

8.712

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lancaster, PA has 0.93x 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 0.93 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Lancaster, PA, is very close to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither overly saturated nor significantly lacking in this profession, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The market is competitive but stable.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,930↓ 2%22 mi
York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,420↓ 4%23 mi
Reading, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,820↓ 3%29 mi
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,010↑ 1%35 mi
Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,080↓ 5%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lancaster, PA is $34,730. This typically ranges from $21,930 for entry-level positions to $45,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 7.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

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

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,730 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($33,930) and York-Hanover, PA.

How does the number of cooks in Lancaster compare nationally?

Lancaster has a workforce of 2,180 Cooks, Restaurant, with a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating a concentration very close to the national average.

What is the cost of living impact on a cook's salary in Lancaster?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, a cook's salary in Lancaster has the same purchasing power as the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for cooks in Lancaster?

The job market is stable, with 8.712 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent demand for cooks in the area.

Can experience significantly increase a cook's salary in Lancaster?

Yes, like most culinary roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior cooks earning substantially more than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,180 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 8.712 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 Lancaster, PA