Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Cooks in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area earn an average annual salary of $39,540, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This localized pay premium is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local culinary scene, and the cost of doing business within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,820.
- Outlook: The Trenton-Princeton area supports a robust workforce of 1,340 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 5.6 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady demand for culinary talent within this metropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Trenton-Princeton, NJ earns+4.9%above the national average.
$19
$760
$3,295
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Trenton-Princeton have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Trenton-Princeton typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,655 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,530 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,425 | $23.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,820 | $23 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,540 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income in Trenton-Princeton for Cooks, Restaurant aligns directly with national spending patterns. This means that while the salary is slightly above the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
5.595
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Trenton-Princeton, NJ has 0.59x 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 0.59 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are less concentrated in Trenton-Princeton compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, there may be fewer specialized roles or a less saturated pool of candidates, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↓ 6% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,920↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,310↑ 10% | 52 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,980↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,650↑ 5% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $39,540. This typically ranges from $31,470 for entry-level positions to $47,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 4.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Cooks in Trenton-Princeton earn approximately $1,840 more annually than the national average. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning this higher salary offers slightly better purchasing power locally.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($37,110) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Based on the average annual salary of $39,540, the estimated average hourly wage for a Cook in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is approximately $19.01, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Trenton-Princeton compare to the national average?
Trenton-Princeton has 5.595 Cooks, Restaurant jobs per 1,000 workers, which is below the national average concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.59.
What factors might influence a Cook's salary in Trenton-Princeton?
Factors such as years of experience, the type of establishment (e.g., fine dining vs. casual), specific culinary skills, and the demand within particular neighborhoods of Trenton-Princeton can all influence a cook's salary.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant growing in Trenton-Princeton?
While specific growth rates are not detailed, the stable workforce size and consistent job availability suggest a steady, rather than rapidly expanding, job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the Trenton-Princeton area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area with a job density of 5.595 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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ