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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Pennsylvania

Cooks in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $34,140, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the cost of living and the specific demand within the state's culinary sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,390.
  • Outlook: Pennsylvania boasts a substantial workforce of 54,830 Cooks, indicating a significant presence in the food service industry. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these roles in Pennsylvania closely mirrors the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,140

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Pennsylvania earns-9.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.4

Weekly

$657

Monthly

$2,845

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

Salary progression for Cooks in Pennsylvania typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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 opportunities available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,500$10.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,605$12.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,340$17
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,675$20.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,390$21.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,485

Adjusted for COL (99)

The nominal average salary of $34,140 in Pennsylvania aligns favorably with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Pennsylvania is comparable to the national standard, making it a relatively stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

54,830

Total Jobs

9.116

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Pennsylvania has 0.97x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Cooks in Pennsylvania is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of jobs available is proportionate to the number of workers, suggesting moderate competition and consistent employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Williamsport, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,480↓ 8%9 mi
State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,360↑ 1%45 mi
Elmira, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,490↑ 10%65 mi
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,010↑ 3%66 mi
Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,930↓ 1%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Pennsylvania is $34,140. This typically ranges from $21,500 for entry-level positions to $44,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 9.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary for Cooks in Pennsylvania ($34,140) is below the national average ($37,700), though the cost of living is on par with the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?

Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($31,480) and State College, PA.

How many Cooks are there in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs a substantial workforce of 54,830 Cooks, reflecting a significant presence in the state's food service sector.

What is the job concentration for Cooks in Pennsylvania?

The Location Quotient for Cooks in Pennsylvania is 0.97, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect a Cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99, the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Pennsylvania is virtually identical to the national average, suggesting a stable economic environment.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Pennsylvania?

The state's workforce size and a Location Quotient near 1.0 suggest a steady demand and a healthy number of employment opportunities for Cooks throughout Pennsylvania.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 54,830 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 9.116 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 Pennsylvania