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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Massachusetts

Cooks in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $45,160, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is largely influenced by the state's robust economy and higher operational costs for businesses, which translate into better compensation for skilled culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,510.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 31,640 individuals in this role, Massachusetts demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.92 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,160

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Massachusetts earns+19.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.7

Weekly

$868

Monthly

$3,763

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Massachusetts

Salary progression for Cooks in Massachusetts typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and earning potential available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,910$16.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$33,870$16.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,280$22.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$56,450$27.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$57,510$27.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,431

Adjusted for COL (148.4)

While the average annual salary of $45,160 appears attractive, it's crucial to consider Massachusetts's high Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful budgeting for residents.

Job Market Context

31,640

Total Jobs

8.687

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Massachusetts has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Massachusetts is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Worcester, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,910↓ 5%14 mi
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Restaurant Salary$45,720↑ 1%24 mi
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,550↓ 8%29 mi
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,420↓ 6%52 mi
Springfield, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,140↓ 7%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Massachusetts

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Massachusetts is $45,160. This typically ranges from $34,910 for entry-level positions to $57,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 19.8% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, but with caveats.The average salary is higher than the national average, but the high cost of living significantly impacts the real value of that income.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?

Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($42,910) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Massachusetts?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Massachusetts is $45,160.

How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Massachusetts earn approximately $7,460 more annually than the national average salary of $37,700.

How does the cost of living in Massachusetts affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $45,160 salary has less purchasing power locally.

Is the job market for Cooks saturated in Massachusetts?

The location quotient of 0.92 suggests the market is not overly saturated and is close to the national average in terms of job concentration.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 31,640 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 8.687 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 Massachusetts