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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

In Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, Cooks, Short Order earn an average annual salary of $26,290. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,650, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the area. The specific economic landscape of Harrisburg-Carlisle shapes compensation for these essential food service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Cooks, Short Order and a Location Quotient of 0.77, the job market in Harrisburg-Carlisle suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of a dedicated workforce implies a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape for short order cooks in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,290

The average Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA earns-26.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.6

Weekly

$506

Monthly

$2,191

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

Career progression for Cooks, Short Order typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may hover around the lower percentiles of the $26,290 average, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$16,870$8.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,718$9.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$21,810$10.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,863$15.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,720$18.1

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,290

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $26,290. With a Cost of Living Index at 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary's purchasing power is directly aligned with the national median. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, it is offset by a cost of living that does not present additional financial strain compared to other regions.

Job Market Context

250

Total Jobs

0.748

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order 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 0.77 for Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of job security for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that the demand might not be exceptionally high compared to other areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $26,290. This typically ranges from $16,870 for entry-level positions to $37,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 26.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $26,290 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate makes it less financially rewarding compared to national benchmarks.

Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($24,540) and Lancaster, PA.

How does the Harrisburg-Carlisle salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Short Order?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $26,290, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,650.

What is the Cost of Living in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA relative to the national average?

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. This suggests that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for Cooks, Short Order in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?

With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles in the area.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.77 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that while Cooks, Short Order are employed in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, the profession is less prevalent than the national average, implying a moderately competitive job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area with a job density of 0.748 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.