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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Appleton, WI

Cooks in Appleton, WI, earn an average annual salary of $36,860, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay is influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific economic landscape and demand for culinary professionals within the Appleton metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,470.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,000 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the job market for Cooks in Appleton indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence compared to the national average. The figure of 8.071 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for culinary talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,860

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Appleton, WI earns-2.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.7

Weekly

$709

Monthly

$3,072

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Appleton, WI

Salary progression for Cooks in Appleton, WI, 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 top percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,010$13.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,645$13.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,860$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,075$22.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,470$22.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,860

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,860 in Appleton, WI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Appleton is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.

Job Market Context

1,000

Total Jobs

8.071

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Appleton, WI has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles in Appleton, WI, is slightly below the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,250↓ 2%20 mi
Green Bay, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,840↓ 0%26 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,250↓ 4%35 mi
Sheboygan, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,140↓ 2%49 mi
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,850↓ 3%61 mi

Comparing salaries near Appleton, WI

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Appleton, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Appleton, WI is $36,860. This typically ranges from $28,010 for entry-level positions to $47,470 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Appleton, WI is 2.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Appleton, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,860 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.

Is Appleton, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Appleton, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($36,250) and Green Bay, WI.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Appleton, WI?

Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized culinary skills can command higher wages, moving into the upper salary percentiles.

What is the job outlook for Cooks in Appleton, WI?

The outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,000 and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 8.071, indicating consistent demand for culinary professionals in the area.

Is the cost of living high in Appleton, WI for Cooks?

No, the cost of living in Appleton, WI, is at the national average (100). This means a salary earned there has the same purchasing power as the national average.

How does Appleton's Cook job market compare to the national average?

Appleton's job market for Cooks is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.86, suggesting a balanced level of competition and opportunity.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,000 employees in the Appleton, WI area with a job density of 8.071 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 Appleton, WI