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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Alaska

Cooks in Alaska earn an average annual salary of $40,580, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay scale is often attributed to the unique logistical challenges and higher operational costs associated with operating businesses in a geographically expansive and remote state like Alaska, necessitating competitive compensation to attract and retain talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,900.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,480 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.82, Alaska presents a slightly less concentrated market compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals within the state, indicating a steady job market for those in the profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,580

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Alaska earns+7.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.5

Weekly

$780

Monthly

$3,382

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Alaska

The salary progression for Cooks in Alaska typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and specialized cooks with extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities within the culinary field in Alaska.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,510$15.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,435$14.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,640$18.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$50,725$24.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,900$22.1

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,054

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the nominal average salary of $40,580 appears favorable, it's crucial to consider Alaska's Cost of Living Index of 126.6, which is 26.6% higher than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Alaskan cook's salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions, requiring a careful assessment of personal finances when considering relocation.

Job Market Context

2,480

Total Jobs

7.725

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Alaska has 0.82x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Alaska is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately dominant within the state's labor market, implying a moderate level of competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alaska is $40,580. This typically ranges from $31,510 for entry-level positions to $45,900 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 7.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Alaska offers a higher average salary for Cooks than the national average, but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

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

Based on the average annual salary of $40,580, the estimated average hourly wage for a Cook in Alaska is approximately $19.51, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 7.725 jobs per 1,000 workers, Alaska has a slightly lower concentration of Cook positions relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average.

Are there many restaurant cook jobs in Alaska?

With a total local workforce of 2,480 Cooks, Restaurant, Alaska has a substantial number of these roles, supporting the state's hospitality industry.

What factors influence cook salaries in Alaska?

Salaries are influenced by the high cost of living, logistical challenges of operating in remote areas, demand for culinary services, and the experience level of the cook.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,480 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 7.725 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 Alaska