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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Alabama

Cooks in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $31,510, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the overall cost of living within the state, which impacts wage expectations and compensation structures for service industry roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,200.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 18,370 individuals in this role, Alabama demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,510

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama earns-16.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.2

Weekly

$606

Monthly

$2,626

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Alabama

The salary progression for Cooks in Alabama typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary backgrounds and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,290$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,633$11.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,100$14.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,388$18.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,200$18.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,766

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average annual salary of $31,510 in Alabama presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 88.1. While the lower cost of living means that $31,510 may stretch further than in higher-cost states, it also means that the nominal income is considerably below the national average, requiring careful budgeting for individuals and families.

Job Market Context

18,370

Total Jobs

8.781

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Alabama has 0.93x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.93 indicates that the job market for Cooks in Alabama is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field, implying moderate competition and steady employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,330↓ 1%44 mi
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,610↑ 3%50 mi
Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,690↑ 1%52 mi
Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,370↓ 4%77 mi
Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,920↓ 5%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Alabama

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alabama is $31,510. This typically ranges from $22,290 for entry-level positions to $38,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 16.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While Alabama offers a lower cost of living, the average salary for Cooks is significantly below the national average, suggesting less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,330) and Birmingham, AL.

What is the average hourly wage for a Cook in Alabama?

Based on the average annual salary of $31,510 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook in Alabama is around $15.15.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Alabama?

Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level cooks earning less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and management experience can earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Alabama?

Yes, with a workforce of 18,370 and a location quotient near the national average, there is a consistent demand for cooks across Alabama.

How does Alabama's cost of living compare to the national average?

Alabama's cost of living is below the national average, with an index of 88.1 compared to the national benchmark of 100, making everyday expenses more affordable.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,370 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 8.781 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama