Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $24,790. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,780.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-30.5%below the national average.
$11.9
$477
$2,066
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ have seen a slight adjustment of -1.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $17,330, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,780.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,330 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,593 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,330 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,988 | $14.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,780 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $24,790 to $24,790.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
0.448
Per 1K Jobs
0.46
Location Quotient
At 0.46x, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
170 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
Only 0.448 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Short Order roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,070↑ 5% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Short Order Salary | $37,200↑ 50% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,760↑ 32% | 47 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,050↓ 3% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $24,790. This typically ranges from $17,330 for entry-level positions to $36,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 30.5% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $24,790 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($26,070) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 0.448 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ