Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Baton Rouge, LA
In Baton Rouge, LA, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as the cost of labor and demand for culinary services, play a significant role in determining compensation within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,720 Cooks, Restaurant, Baton Rouge presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that this profession is slightly less prevalent in Baton Rouge compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these roles within the city's culinary sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Baton Rouge, LA earns-15.2%below the national average.
$15.4
$615
$2,664
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Baton Rouge is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Baton Rouge, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Baton Rouge, like elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The increasing salary percentiles reflect the value placed on expertise and leadership within a kitchen environment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,030 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,978 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,963 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,970 in Baton Rouge 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 locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
2,720
Total Jobs
6.747
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Baton Rouge, LA has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Cooks, Restaurant in Baton Rouge suggests that the job market is slightly less saturated than the national average. This indicates a moderate level of competition, where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, but the demand is not overwhelmingly high, creating a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,540↓ 14% | 40 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,960↓ 13% | 56 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,100↓ 12% | 65 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,990↓ 19% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,310↓ 15% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baton Rouge, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Baton Rouge, LA is $31,970. This typically ranges from $22,030 for entry-level positions to $38,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baton Rouge, LA is 15.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Baton Rouge, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Baton Rouge, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,970 is below the national average of $37,700, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate impacts overall earning potential.
Is Baton Rouge, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Baton Rouge, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baton Rouge, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hammond, LA ($27,540) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Baton Rouge compare to the national average?
Baton Rouge has 6.747 Cooks, Restaurant per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.72.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in Baton Rouge?
There are approximately 2,720 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Baton Rouge, LA.
Does experience impact a Cook's salary in Baton Rouge?
Yes, experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level cooks earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and experience command higher wages, reflecting career progression.
How does Baton Rouge's cost of living affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Baton Rouge's cost of living is average nationally. This means the $31,970 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national average salary figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,720 employees in the Baton Rouge, LA area with a job density of 6.747 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 Baton Rouge, LA