Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Reading, PA
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Reading, PA is $26,070. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Reading, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,610.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Reading, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Reading, PA earns-26.9%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,173
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Reading, PA have shown healthy growth of 14.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Reading, PA 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 $16,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $35,610.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,940 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,553 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,900 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,588 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Reading, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $26,070 to $26,070.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
0.643
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.66x 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.
110 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Reading, PA.
Only 0.643 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,230↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,790↓ 5% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,760↑ 26% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,540↓ 6% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Reading, PA is $26,070. This typically ranges from $16,940 for entry-level positions to $35,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 26.9% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Reading, PA a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Reading, PA is $26,070 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Reading, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lancaster, PA ($26,230) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 0.643 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 Reading, PA