Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in State College, PA
Cooks in State College, PA earn an average annual salary of $34,360, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the State College area, including the local demand for culinary services and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 740 individuals in this role, State College demonstrates a notable concentration of restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.15 suggests that this profession is more prevalent in State College than the national average, indicating a steady demand and a robust job market for culinary professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in State College, PA earns-8.9%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,863
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for State College is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving dining trends typically contribute to modest annual salary increases in most professions, including the culinary sector.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in State College, PA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced line cooks, sous chefs, or head cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this growth, with senior roles often earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,640 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,770 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,430 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,950 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,610 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,360 in State College, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in State College is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the local cost of goods and services does not significantly inflate or deflate the real value of their earnings.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
10.808
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.15 for Cooks, Restaurant in State College, PA, signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a healthy and perhaps slightly elevated demand for culinary talent, making it a moderately competitive but accessible job market for skilled cooks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,190↓ 9% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,570↓ 11% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,250↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,530↓ 8% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↓ 4% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in State College, PA is $34,360. This typically ranges from $21,640 for entry-level positions to $44,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 8.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the Cook salary in State College, PA ($34,360) is below the national average ($37,700), indicating less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($31,190) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in State College compare to the national average?
State College has approximately 10.808 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a notable presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in State College?
An LQ of 1.15 means that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in State College is 15% higher than the national average, suggesting a slightly stronger local demand or supply for this role.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in State College?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks or those with specialized skills can expect to earn more than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a cook in State College?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $34,360 in State College has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning the cost of living is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 10.808 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 State College, PA
- All Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Management Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Production Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Browse All Jobs in State College, PA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA