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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rochester, NY

Cooks in Rochester, NY, earn an average annual salary of $38,340, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This marginal difference is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within Rochester's vibrant culinary scene, which can command slightly higher wages for skilled kitchen professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,750.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,220 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.7, Rochester presents a moderately concentrated job market for this profession. While not exceeding the national concentration, the existing workforce indicates a stable demand and a solid foundation for employment opportunities within the city's numerous dining establishments.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,340

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, NY earns+1.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.4

Weekly

$737

Monthly

$3,195

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant career growth potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,755$13.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,920$17.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,925$23
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,750$22.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,340 in Rochester aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

3,220

Total Jobs

6.557

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rochester, NY has 0.70x 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 0.7 indicates that Rochester has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,990↑ 4%65 mi
Syracuse, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,210↑ 2%75 mi
Ithaca, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,400↑ 3%75 mi
Elmira, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,490↓ 2%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Rochester, NY?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, NY is $38,340. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $46,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 1.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Cooks in Rochester earn slightly more than the national average, and with a cost of living on par with the national average, their salary offers comparable purchasing power.

Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($39,990) and Syracuse, NY.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Rochester, NY?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Rochester, NY is $38,340.

How does Rochester's Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Rochester, NY earn approximately $640 more annually than the national average salary of $37,700.

Is the job market for Cooks concentrated in Rochester?

The job market for Cooks in Rochester is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.7.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY compared to the national average?

Rochester, NY has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as 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 3,220 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 6.557 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 Rochester, NY