Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in New Jersey
Cooks in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $40,900, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is often attributed to the state's robust economy and the demanding culinary landscape, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in the restaurant industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,010.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 30,720 individuals in this role, New Jersey demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates a consistent demand and a stable job market for these culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey earns+8.5%above the national average.
$19.7
$787
$3,408
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in New Jersey have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dining experiences, and the need for skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for this vital role.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in New Jersey
Salary progression for Cooks in New Jersey 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 career progression, rewarding those who develop expertise and take on greater responsibilities in the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,675 | $14.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,080 | $18.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,125 | $24.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,010 | $23.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,388
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
While the average salary of $40,900 appears favorable, New Jersey's Cost of Living Index of 112.4 indicates that expenses are about 12.4% higher than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a $40,900 salary in New Jersey is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting for residents.
Job Market Context
30,720
Total Jobs
7.227
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
New Jersey has 0.77x 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 0.77 for Cooks in New Jersey suggests that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a balanced market where demand is met by the available workforce, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without extreme competition, though it's not a market with an overabundance of these roles compared to the nation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,540↓ 3% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,310↑ 6% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,920↓ 12% | 54 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,980↓ 5% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in New Jersey is $40,900. This typically ranges from $31,470 for entry-level positions to $49,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 8.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.New Jersey offers a higher average salary for Cooks than the national average, but this is tempered by a higher cost of living, requiring careful financial consideration.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($39,540) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
How does the number of restaurant cooks in New Jersey compare nationally?
New Jersey has a significant workforce of 30,720 restaurant cooks, indicating a substantial presence in the industry, even if the concentration (Location Quotient) is slightly below the national average.
What is the impact of experience on a cook's salary in New Jersey?
Experience plays a crucial role in salary determination for cooks in New Jersey, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting increased skill and responsibility.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a cook's salary in New Jersey?
The cost of living in New Jersey is approximately 12.4% higher than the national average. This means that the $40,900 average salary for cooks provides less purchasing power than the national average salary in a more affordable region.
Is the job market for cooks in New Jersey highly competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the job market for cooks in New Jersey is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a relatively balanced market that may offer good opportunities without extreme competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30,720 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 7.227 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 New Jersey