Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,530. This figure falls below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the cost of living. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region shapes the compensation offered to its culinary workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,330 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1, the job market in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a demand that aligns with the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-16.4%below the national average.
$15.2
$606
$2,628
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in nonmetropolitan areas like Southwestern Pennsylvania have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase reflects the ongoing need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,620 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,648 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,413 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,280 | $20.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,530 in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the financial impact of relocation neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
9.455
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area signifies that the concentration of these jobs is precisely at the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the number of cooks employed is proportional to the overall workforce, suggesting neither a significant surplus nor a shortage of culinary talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,480↓ 0% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,360↑ 9% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,490↑ 19% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,010↑ 11% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,930↑ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $31,530. This typically ranges from $18,620 for entry-level positions to $42,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 16.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $31,530 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there is no significant financial advantage to earning potential in this region compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($31,480) and State College, PA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?
A local workforce of 1,330 Cooks suggests a moderate-sized market. While not exceptionally large, it indicates a consistent demand for culinary professionals within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1 mean for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1 means the concentration of Cooks jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is exactly the same as the national average. This implies a stable and typical job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the Cooks' salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $31,530 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means the lower nominal wage is balanced by lower (or average) expenses.
Are there opportunities for Cooks to earn more than the average salary?
Yes, experienced Cooks with specialized skills or those in supervisory roles can expect to earn above the $31,530 average, as salary typically increases with expertise and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,330 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.455 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area