Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Springfield, MA
Cooks in Springfield, MA, earn an average annual salary of $42,140, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This localized pay advantage can be attributed to a combination of factors specific to the Springfield labor market, including regional demand and the cost of doing business within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,820.
- Outlook: Springfield, MA, supports a local workforce of 1,390 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 7.011 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MA earns+11.8%above the national average.
$20.3
$810
$3,512
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Springfield, MA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for essential service roles, driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for dining services.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Springfield, MA
The salary range for Cooks in Springfield, MA, naturally expands with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers command salaries in the higher percentiles. This progression reflects the acquisition of advanced culinary skills, leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in demanding kitchen environments.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,740 | $16.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,605 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,550 | $20.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,675 | $25.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,820 | $23.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Springfield, MA, is at the national average. This means the nominal salary of $42,140 for Cooks provides purchasing power that aligns with the typical American standard. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary is sufficient to maintain a comparable lifestyle to that of cooks in other average-cost areas nationwide.
Job Market Context
1,390
Total Jobs
7.011
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Springfield, MA has 0.74x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.74 for Cooks in Springfield, MA, indicates that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the supply of cooks might be relatively more balanced compared to hyper-concentrated areas, potentially leading to competitive hiring conditions for employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,420↑ 1% | 18 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,720↓ 6% | 25 mi |
| Connecticut nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,750↓ 8% | 37 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,910↑ 2% | 39 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,870↓ 1% | 44 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Springfield, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MA is $42,140. This typically ranges from $33,740 for entry-level positions to $48,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, MA is 11.8% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Springfield, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, Springfield, MA offers a slightly above-average earning potential for Cooks.Cooks in Springfield earn approximately $4,440 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this makes the nominal salary quite competitive.
Is Springfield, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Amherst Town-Northampton, MA ($42,420) and Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Springfield, MA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Springfield, MA is $42,140.
How does Springfield, MA's cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Springfield, MA, earn an average of $42,140 annually, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Springfield, MA?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MA, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in Springfield, MA?
There are approximately 1,390 Cooks employed in Springfield, MA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,390 employees in the Springfield, MA area with a job density of 7.011 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 Springfield, MA