Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA, earn an average annual salary of $31,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand, cost of doing business, and the specific hospitality landscape, play a significant role in compensation within this Georgia locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,870.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA, appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 1,070 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-15.3%below the national average.
$15.4
$614
$2,663
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Athens-Clarke County is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a gradual upward trajectory in earning potential for those in the profession within the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The salary progression for Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps underscore the career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,190 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,963 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,990 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,938 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,870 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,950 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income in Athens-Clarke County, GA, aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is comparable, offering a balanced purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,070
Total Jobs
11.183
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.19 for Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA, signifies a job market where this profession is slightly more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a competitive environment, where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, but also where a sufficient pool of talent exists to meet those needs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,390↑ 5% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,650↑ 8% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,460↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,730↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,430↓ 8% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $31,950. This typically ranges from $23,190 for entry-level positions to $37,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 15.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Athens-Clarke County, GA, is below the national average. This indicates that while the purchasing power is stable, the absolute earning potential is lower than in many other regions.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($33,390) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the number of Cooks in Athens-Clarke County compare nationally?
Athens-Clarke County has 11.183 Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a higher concentration of this profession locally.
What is the impact of experience on a Cook's salary in Athens-Clarke County?
Experience is a key driver of salary for Cooks. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior roles with extensive experience and specialized skills command higher salaries, reflecting increased value and responsibility.
Is the job market for Cooks in Athens-Clarke County competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 1.19, the market is slightly more concentrated with Cooks than the national average, suggesting a competitive landscape for both employers seeking talent and individuals seeking employment.
How does the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County affect salary perception?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $31,950 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 11.183 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA