SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Anchorage, AK

Cooks in Anchorage, Alaska, earn an average annual salary of $40,920, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is often attributed to the unique economic factors and higher operational costs associated with working in a geographically distinct and often more remote location like Alaska, influencing labor market dynamics.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,520.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,460 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.89, Anchorage presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for culinary professionals compared to national averages. The presence of over 8 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these roles within the city's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,920

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Anchorage, AK earns+8.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$787

Monthly

$3,410

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Anchorage, AK

Salary progression for Cooks in Anchorage typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The difference between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,080$16.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,690$14.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$39,140$18.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,150$24.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,520$21.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,920

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,920 in Anchorage aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the increased wages are balanced by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,460

Total Jobs

8.356

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Anchorage, AK has 0.89x 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 0.89 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Anchorage is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is well-represented, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Anchorage, AK?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Anchorage, AK is $40,920. This typically ranges from $35,080 for entry-level positions to $45,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Anchorage, AK is 8.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Anchorage, AK a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with comparable purchasing power.Cooks in Anchorage earn above the national average salary. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning their higher earnings translate to similar purchasing power.

Is Anchorage, AK a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Anchorage, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Anchorage job market compare to the national average for Cooks?

The job market in Anchorage is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.89. However, the demand remains steady, with 8.356 jobs per 1,000 workers.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Anchorage, AK?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Anchorage, AK is $40,920.

Does the cost of living in Anchorage affect the value of a Cook's salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Anchorage is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $40,920 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Anchorage?

There are approximately 1,460 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Anchorage, AK area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the Anchorage, AK area with a job density of 8.356 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 Anchorage, AK