National Salary Overview
VS
Chefs and Head Cooks earns $20,466 more (56.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$56,965
$36,498
Average (Mean) Salary
$61,167
$37,670
Total Employment
172,350
18,180
States with Higher Pay
38
0
Salary by State: Chefs and Head Cooks vs Cooks, All Other
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chefs and Head Cooks pays more in 38 states; Cooks, All Other pays more in 0.
| State | Chefs and Head Cooks | Cooks, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $58,240 | $32,960 | +$25,280 | ||
| Alaska | $60,250 | $38,710 | +$21,540 | ||
| Arizona | $64,560 | $35,110 | +$29,450 | ||
| Arkansas | $46,380 | $31,890 | +$14,490 | ||
| California | $60,930 | $36,740 | +$24,190 | ||
| Colorado | $63,470 | $38,570 | +$24,900 | ||
| Connecticut | $60,570 | $37,910 | +$22,660 | ||
| Florida | $56,910 | $35,950 | +$20,960 | ||
| Georgia | $52,230 | $29,940 | +$22,290 | ||
| Hawaii | $94,030 | $35,400 | +$58,630 | ||
| Idaho | $45,600 | $38,820 | +$6,780 | ||
| Illinois | $61,420 | $44,970 | +$16,450 | ||
| Indiana | $51,440 | $38,340 | +$13,100 | ||
| Iowa | $41,790 | $33,410 | +$8,380 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,770 | $26,450 | +$10,320 | ||
| Louisiana | $45,100 | $29,550 | +$15,550 | ||
| Maryland | $63,550 | $36,590 | +$26,960 | ||
| Massachusetts | $75,770 | $57,420 | +$18,350 | ||
| Michigan | $56,630 | $34,130 | +$22,500 | ||
| Minnesota | $57,440 | $34,500 | +$22,940 | ||
| Missouri | $54,230 | $31,950 | +$22,280 | ||
| Montana | $48,890 | $29,810 | +$19,080 | ||
| Nevada | $52,980 | $45,380 | +$7,600 | ||
| New Jersey | $65,000 | $40,110 | +$24,890 | ||
| New York | $62,750 | $39,700 | +$23,050 | ||
| North Carolina | $57,940 | $29,010 | +$28,930 | ||
| North Dakota | $75,400 | $35,980 | +$39,420 | ||
| Ohio | $47,980 | $36,100 | +$11,880 | ||
| Oregon | $56,900 | $38,600 | +$18,300 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $60,200 | $37,230 | +$22,970 | ||
| South Carolina | $52,500 | $37,410 | +$15,090 | ||
| Tennessee | $55,650 | $33,560 | +$22,090 | ||
| Texas | $48,560 | $30,420 | +$18,140 | ||
| Utah | $49,450 | $37,200 | +$12,250 | ||
| Vermont | $61,240 | $38,210 | +$23,030 | ||
| Virginia | $49,660 | $29,280 | +$20,380 | ||
| Washington | $67,140 | $51,310 | +$15,830 | ||
| Wisconsin | $59,160 | $38,320 | +$20,840 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chefs and Head Cooks or Cooks, All Other?
On average across all states, a Chefs and Head Cooks earns more than a Cooks, All Other. The national median salary difference is $20,466 (56.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks vs Cooks, All Other?
The national median salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks is $56,965 per year, compared to $36,498 for a Cooks, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chefs and Head Cooks or Cooks, All Other?
There are more people employed as Chefs and Head Cooks. BLS reports approximately 172,350 Chefs and Head Cooks positions and 18,180 Cooks, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chefs and Head Cooks or Cooks, All Other?
Both Chefs and Head Cooks and Cooks, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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