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Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011) in South Central Workforce Development Area
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South Central WDA (1Q 2023)
All Industry
Estimated employment810
Mean wage$28.47
Entry wage$19.44
10th percentile wage$17.56
50th percentile wage$26.87
90th percentile wage$38.75
 Top Employing Industries
 IndustryEmployment / Percent
Leisure and Hospitality67083.1%
Education and Health Services9010.9%
Manufacturing101.4%
 Top Paying Industries
 IndustryEmployment / Median Wage
Manufacturing10$29.27
Leisure and Hospitality670$27.66
Education and Health Services90$20.79
Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011)
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Median Wage History
YearThis OccupationCompared to Occupational GroupDifference
Current  $26.87 $16.21 $10.66
2022$25.71+4.5%$15.51+4.5%$10.20
2021$23.69+8.5%$14.29+8.5%$9.40
2020$22.45+5.5%$13.55+5.5%$8.91
2019$21.65+3.7%$13.06+3.7%$8.59
2018$20.76+4.3%$12.53+4.3%$8.24
2017$20.04+3.6%$12.09+3.6%$7.95
2016$19.40+3.3%$11.70+3.3%$7.70
2015$18.84+3.0%$11.37+3.0%$7.48
2014$18.44+2.2%$11.12+2.2%$7.32
YearThis OccupationCompared to All OccupationsDifference
Current  $26.87 $24.95 $1.92
2022$25.71+4.5%$24.12+3.4%$1.59
2021$23.69+8.5%$22.82+5.7%$0.87
2020$22.45+5.5%$22.04+3.5%$0.41
2019$21.65+3.7%$21.41+2.9%$0.23
2018$20.76+4.3%$20.79+3.0%-$0.02
2017$20.04+3.6%$20.19+2.9%-$0.15
2016$19.40+3.3%$19.73+2.4%-$0.32
2015$18.84+3.0%$19.22+2.6%-$0.38
2014$18.44+2.2%$18.82+2.2%-$0.37
Note: The mid-wage is the median wage. The average wage is the mean wage. The entry-level wage is equal to the average of the lower third of reported wages for the occupation. The wage range consists of the 10th and 90th percentiles; 80% of workers earn between this wage range, 10% earn less while 10% earn more.
Reference Date: 1st Quarter 2023
Top Areas For This Occupation
Best Pay
Median Wage / Employment
North Central $29.55  1,040  
Eastern $29.09  490  
Southwest $28.85  1,210  
Northwest $27.09  650  
Highest Employment
Median Wage / Employment
Southwest $28.85  1,210  
North Central $29.55  1,040  
South Central $26.87  810  
Northwest $27.09  650  
Wages in other areas
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