Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Cooks in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $32,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this pay differential, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,270.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region supports a local workforce of 2,120 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 8.358 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-13.1%below the national average.
$15.8
$630
$2,732
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant professionals across the nation, including Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor costs, reflecting a positive, albeit gradual, upward trend in compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, 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 reflect this career trajectory, with senior roles occupying the upper salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,040 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,585 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,040 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,975 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,270 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,780 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power at the national median, offering a balanced financial standing for individuals considering relocation or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
8.358
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.89x 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 0.89, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre market for Cooks, Restaurant is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be a dominant sector compared to other regions. The job market is likely competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in areas with a higher concentration of culinary establishments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,900↑ 16% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,920↑ 10% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,290↑ 23% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,550↑ 33% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,510↑ 24% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $32,780. This typically ranges from $21,040 for entry-level positions to $43,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 13.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,780 is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is standard.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($37,900) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $32,780, which is $4,920 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.89, indicating that the proportion of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in the local workforce is slightly lower than the national average.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are approximately 8.358 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Cook's salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $32,780 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,120 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 8.358 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA