Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Pennsylvania
Short Order Cooks in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $24,680, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall cost of labor within the state, and the specific demand for these culinary roles across Pennsylvania's diverse job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,800 Short Order Cooks, Pennsylvania presents a substantial, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that while the role is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate but stable demand within the state's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Pennsylvania earns-30.8%below the national average.
$11.9
$475
$2,057
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Short Order Cooks in Pennsylvania have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an ongoing adjustment to labor market conditions and the increasing cost of living.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Career progression for Short Order Cooks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,640 | $8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,510 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $18,400 | $8.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,850 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,870 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,929
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average salary of $24,680 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is on par with the national average. This suggests that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in Pennsylvania is relatively stable and comparable to what they might experience elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
3,800
Total Jobs
0.632
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 0.65x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that Short Order Cooks are less concentrated in Pennsylvania compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, but also implying that the demand might be more localized or specialized within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,440↑ 23% | 9 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Short Order Salary | $36,540↑ 48% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,290↑ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Pennsylvania is $24,680. This typically ranges from $16,640 for entry-level positions to $38,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 30.8% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, Pennsylvania is not a particularly lucrative place for Short Order Cooks compared to the national average.The average salary of $24,680 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,650. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact of the lower wage.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($30,440) and Elmira, NY.
How does the number of Short Order Cooks in Pennsylvania compare nationally?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 3,800 Short Order Cooks, which represents a moderate segment of the workforce, with 0.632 jobs per 1,000 workers.
What is the significance of the 0.65 Location Quotient for Short Order Cooks in PA?
A Location Quotient of 0.65 means that Short Order Cooks are less concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average, suggesting a less competitive but potentially stable job market for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect a Short Order Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (national average is 100), the $24,680 salary in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power that is very close to the national average, making the lower nominal salary more manageable.
What factors contribute to the lower average salary for Short Order Cooks in Pennsylvania?
The lower average salary can be attributed to a combination of regional economic conditions, the specific demand within Pennsylvania's hospitality industry, and the overall labor costs prevalent in the state compared to national benchmarks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,800 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.632 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 Pennsylvania