Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in New Jersey
Cooks, Short Order professionals in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $37,050, surpassing the national average of $35,650. This higher compensation is influenced by New Jersey's robust economy and the specific demands within its culinary sector, reflecting a localized premium for these essential food service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,460.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,120 Cooks, Short Order, New Jersey presents a moderately sized employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.27 indicates a concentration below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the state's overall job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in New Jersey earns+3.9%above the national average.
$17.8
$713
$3,088
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Cooks, Short Order in New Jersey have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing demand for dining services and a competitive labor market that necessitates wage adjustments to attract and retain skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in New Jersey
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding those who advance their expertise and take on more responsibility within kitchens.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,610 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,788 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,190 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,313 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,460 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,963
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,050 in New Jersey needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 112.4. This index, which is 12.4% above the national average, suggests that while the gross salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services in New Jersey will temper the purchasing power of that income.
Job Market Context
1,120
Total Jobs
0.264
Per 1K Jobs
0.27
Location Quotient
At 0.27x, New Jersey has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.27 for Cooks, Short Order in New Jersey signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a less saturated market relative to other occupations, potentially indicating a steady demand that is met by the existing workforce without an overabundance of available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Short Order Salary | $37,200↑ 0% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Cooks, Short Order Salary | $38,490↑ 4% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,760↓ 12% | 42 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,790↓ 33% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in New Jersey is $37,050. This typically ranges from $31,610 for entry-level positions to $43,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 3.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Moderately so, with caveats.While the average salary is above the national average, the higher cost of living in New Jersey means the real purchasing power may be comparable or slightly less than in more affordable regions.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($37,200) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.264 jobs per 1,000 workers, New Jersey's concentration of Short Order Cook positions is below the national average, indicating it's not a primary hub for this specific role relative to other states.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in New Jersey?
A Location Quotient of 0.27 means that Short Order Cooks are less prevalent in New Jersey's workforce compared to the national average, suggesting a niche presence rather than a dominant one.
Does the higher cost of living in New Jersey impact the value of a Short Order Cook's salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 112.4 indicates that expenses are higher, meaning the $37,050 salary may not stretch as far as a similar salary in a lower-cost state.
What factors might contribute to the higher average salary for Short Order Cooks in New Jersey?
Factors such as a strong regional economy, higher operational costs for businesses, and potentially a greater demand for skilled culinary staff in densely populated areas likely contribute to the elevated average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,120 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.264 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 New Jersey