Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Alexandria, LA
Cooks in Alexandria, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $27,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Alexandria market contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.61, the job market in Alexandria indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the total workforce size suggests a stable presence, the concentration quotient implies that opportunities may be less abundant relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Alexandria, LA earns-26.0%below the national average.
$13.4
$537
$2,326
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Alexandria, LA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trend, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving labor market and a continuous effort to retain skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,400 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,933 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,810 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,888 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,270 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,910 in Alexandria, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary within Alexandria is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
5.717
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 0.61x 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 0.61 for Cooks, Restaurant in Alexandria, LA, suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national landscape. This indicates that while there is a presence of these roles, the demand or the number of available positions may not be as robust as in other regions, potentially leading to a more competitive job search for aspiring cooks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,990↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,310↓ 2% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,920↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,960↑ 0% | 79 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,900↑ 7% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Alexandria, LA is $27,910. This typically ranges from $20,400 for entry-level positions to $35,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 26.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Alexandria, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average salary of $27,910 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($25,990) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks in Alexandria?
A local workforce of 340 indicates a stable, albeit not massive, pool of existing cooks. This suggests consistent demand but potentially limited rapid expansion opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.61 mean for Cooks in Alexandria?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.61, signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are less prevalent in Alexandria relative to the national average. This could mean fewer job openings or a smaller industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living in Alexandria compare nationally?
Alexandria's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the job density for Cooks in Alexandria?
There are approximately 5.717 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Alexandria, LA, indicating a moderate level of employment concentration for this occupation within the local labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 5.717 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alexandria, LA