SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Birmingham, AL

Cooks in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $32,610, which is notably 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 Birmingham market, and the overall cost of labor in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,550.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,760 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.98, Birmingham presents a stable job market for these professionals. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the substantial workforce indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent within the city's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,610

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Birmingham, AL earns-13.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$627

Monthly

$2,718

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Birmingham, AL is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career growth potential tied to skill development and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,960$11.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,458$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,200$15
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,763$19.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,550$18.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $32,610 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Birmingham is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

4,760

Total Jobs

9.2

Per 1K Jobs

0.98

Location Quotient

Below Average

Birmingham, AL has 0.98x 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.

Birmingham's Location Quotient of 0.98 for Cooks, Restaurant suggests a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally dense, presence of these roles, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for culinary professionals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,690↓ 3%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,670↓ 9%50 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,670↓ 12%50 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,240↓ 10%50 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,680↓ 9%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Birmingham, AL is $32,610. This typically ranges from $23,960 for entry-level positions to $38,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 13.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,610 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real value of the salary comparable.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($31,690) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Birmingham, AL?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Birmingham, AL is $32,610.

How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average?

Birmingham, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Birmingham, AL?

With 9.2 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 4,760, there is a steady demand for Cooks in Birmingham, AL, closely mirroring national employment levels.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Birmingham, AL?

Experience significantly impacts a Cook's salary, with entry-level positions earning less than the average, while senior roles and experienced chefs can earn considerably more, reflecting career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,760 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 9.2 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 Birmingham, AL