Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Cooks in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earn an average annual salary of $31,380, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services within the Augusta area, and the overall cost of doing business for restaurants in this locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,250 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.04, Augusta-Richmond County shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, if not slightly growing, demand for culinary professionals within the region, suggesting a robust job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-16.8%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,615
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Augusta-Richmond County have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Augusta-Richmond County typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,200 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,535 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,750 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,225 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,960 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,380 in Augusta-Richmond County aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,250
Total Jobs
9.806
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.04 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are slightly more concentrated in Augusta-Richmond County than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with a demand that slightly outpaces the national average, indicating good opportunities for skilled cooks seeking employment in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,010↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↑ 6% | 73 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,920↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,460↑ 10% | 82 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,950↑ 2% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $31,380. This typically ranges from $22,200 for entry-level positions to $37,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 16.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it is competitive.The average salary of $31,380 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living is also at the national average, and the job concentration is slightly above average, indicating steady demand.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($32,010) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $31,380.
How does the Augusta-Richmond County salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Augusta-Richmond County ($31,380) is lower than the national average ($37,700).
What is the Cost of Living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Cook jobs are slightly more concentrated in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, with a Location Quotient of 1.04, indicating a slightly higher demand than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,250 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 9.806 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC