Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Cooks in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area earn an average annual salary of $30,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,420.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a local workforce of 830 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.23, indicating a concentration 23% higher than the national average, there is a clear local demand for these culinary roles, suggesting a stable job market for skilled individuals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-19.4%below the national average.
$14.6
$584
$2,531
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Auburn-Opelika have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and potentially increasing demand for experienced culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression for Cooks in Auburn-Opelika, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,760 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,778 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,320 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,963 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,420 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,370 in Auburn-Opelika aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
11.612
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.23 signifies that Auburn-Opelika has a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these roles, potentially leading to a more competitive hiring environment for employers and a greater abundance of opportunities for job seekers in this culinary field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,120↓ 1% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↑ 3% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↓ 1% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,670↓ 2% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,670↓ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $30,370. This typically ranges from $21,760 for entry-level positions to $36,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 19.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Auburn-Opelika is below the national average. The higher concentration of these jobs indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($30,120) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 830 indicates a substantial presence of Cooks, Restaurant professionals, suggesting a consistent demand for these roles within the Auburn-Opelika area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.23 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.23 means that Cooks are 23% more concentrated in Auburn-Opelika than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand for this profession in the local job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a cook in Auburn-Opelika?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of a $30,370 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
What is the national average salary for Cooks, Restaurant?
The national average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant is $37,700, which is higher than the average salary reported for the Auburn-Opelika, AL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 11.612 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL