Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the nonmetropolitan areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $32,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles in non-urban settings contribute to this pay differential. The local market dynamics play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,730.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas appears moderately robust, supporting a local workforce of 1,600 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand that outpaces the general distribution of jobs. This concentration implies that while the absolute number of jobs might not be vast, the proportion of cooks relative to other professions is significant within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-12.5%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,748
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Cooks over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a growing appreciation for skilled culinary labor likely contribute to incremental increases in average wages, even in non-urban settings. This suggests a gradual upward trajectory for compensation in this field.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, reflecting a need for on-the-job training and skill development. As cooks gain experience, hone their techniques, and potentially take on supervisory roles, their salaries increase. The percentile gaps in pay signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who advance their expertise and responsibilities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,790 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,735 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,000 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,225 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,730 | $21 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,980 in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may not be as significantly diminished in terms of real value as it might appear at first glance.
Job Market Context
1,600
Total Jobs
12.39
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.32 for Cooks in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area signifies a notable concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for cooks in this region is proportionally higher than in other parts of the country. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it points to a specialized labor pool where these skills are more sought after, potentially offering more opportunities for those in the field compared to areas with a lower LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,480↓ 5% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,360↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,490↑ 14% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,010↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,930↑ 3% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $32,980. This typically ranges from $20,790 for entry-level positions to $43,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 12.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $32,980 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.32) suggests demand, but not necessarily high compensation.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($31,480) and State College, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area is $32,980, which is approximately $4,720 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks in this region?
The Location Quotient (LQ) is 1.32, indicating that Cooks are 32% more concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area of Northeastern Pennsylvania than the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,600 Cooks employed in the nonmetropolitan areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $32,980 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary for the role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,600 employees in the Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.39 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area