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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Maryland

Restaurant Cooks in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $39,060, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This modest pay differential is influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state's economic landscape and the specific demand for culinary professionals within its diverse hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,310.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 19,260 Restaurant Cooks, Maryland demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates a stable and established job market for culinary talent within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,060

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Maryland earns+3.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.8

Weekly

$751

Monthly

$3,255

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Maryland

Salary progression for Restaurant Cooks in Maryland typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available, rewarding dedication and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,310$15.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,295$14.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,470$18
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,825$23.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,310$22.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,223

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

The nominal average salary of $39,060 in Maryland must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This index indicates that living expenses in Maryland are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the salary is above the national average, the increased cost of living means that the purchasing power of this income may be somewhat constrained compared to lower-cost regions.

Job Market Context

19,260

Total Jobs

7.012

Per 1K Jobs

0.74

Location Quotient

Below Average

Maryland has 0.74x 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 0.74 for Restaurant Cooks in Maryland suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,280↑ 8%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,230↓ 2%19 mi
Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,080↓ 15%58 mi
Lexington Park, MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,230↓ 5%59 mi
York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,420↓ 14%62 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Maryland?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Maryland is $39,060. This typically ranges from $31,310 for entry-level positions to $47,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 3.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Maryland a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Moderately. While the average salary is slightly above the national average, the high cost of living offsets some of this advantage.The average salary for Restaurant Cooks in Maryland is $39,060, which is higher than the national average. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, expenses are significantly higher, impacting the real value of this income.

Is Maryland a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($42,280) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland?

The average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Maryland is $39,060.

How does Maryland's salary for Restaurant Cooks compare to the national average?

Maryland's average salary of $39,060 for Restaurant Cooks is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Maryland compared to the national average?

Maryland has a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, meaning it is approximately 25.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for Restaurant Cooks in Maryland?

The job market for Restaurant Cooks in Maryland has a Location Quotient of 0.74, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than 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 19,260 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 7.012 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 Maryland