Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Williamsport, PA
Cooks in Williamsport, PA, earn an average annual salary of $31,480, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, local demand for culinary services, and the overall cost of doing business within the Williamsport area. Understanding these local dynamics is key to grasping the compensation landscape for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 540 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.15, Williamsport exhibits a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for culinary professionals within the city, indicating a consistent job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Williamsport, PA earns-16.5%below the national average.
$15.1
$605
$2,623
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Williamsport's cooks is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for restaurant cooks nationwide have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to Williamsport, with potential for incremental increases in compensation reflecting broader economic shifts.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Williamsport, PA
The career trajectory for a Cook, Restaurant, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs or those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within Williamsport reflect this progression, rewarding accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,670 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,610 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,680 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,350 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,170 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,480 in Williamsport, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Williamsport is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
10.799
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Williamsport, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Williamsport's Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant, is 15% higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive or abundant job market for these professionals in Williamsport compared to other regions, potentially influencing hiring practices and wage levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,570↓ 3% | 9 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,250↓ 1% | 9 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,530↑ 0% | 9 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↑ 5% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,360↑ 9% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Williamsport, PA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Williamsport, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Williamsport, PA is $31,480. This typically ranges from $20,670 for entry-level positions to $41,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Williamsport, PA is 16.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Williamsport, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant, in Williamsport is below the national benchmark. The slightly higher concentration of jobs suggests a stable market but not one offering premium compensation.
Is Williamsport, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Williamsport, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Williamsport, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area ($30,570) and Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
Williamsport has 10.799 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a steady local demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Williamsport?
An LQ of 1.15 means that Cooks, Restaurant, are 15% more concentrated in Williamsport than the national average, suggesting a more prevalent presence of this occupation locally.
How does the Cost of Living in Williamsport affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Williamsport is on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower average salary of $31,480 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant, employed in Williamsport?
There are approximately 540 Cooks, Restaurant, employed within the Williamsport, PA area, forming the local workforce for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Williamsport, PA area with a job density of 10.799 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 Williamsport, PA