Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Bowling Green, KY
Cooks in Bowling Green, KY, earn an average annual salary of $31,290, 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 Bowling Green, and the overall cost of labor in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 560 individuals in this role, Bowling Green presents a moderately sized market for restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Bowling Green, KY earns-17.0%below the national average.
$15
$602
$2,608
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bowling Green's restaurant cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries in this sector have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This general upward trend is typical across most service industry roles.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Salary progression for Cooks in Bowling Green, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The difference between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,470 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,468 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,180 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,113 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,610 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,290 in Bowling Green, KY, 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 equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
6.965
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Bowling Green, KY has 0.74x 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 0.74 indicates that Bowling Green, KY, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry within the local economy, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for individuals seeking these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,360↑ 0% | 57 mi |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,160↑ 22% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↓ 3% | 59 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,800↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,550↑ 7% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Bowling Green, KY is $31,290. This typically ranges from $22,470 for entry-level positions to $37,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 17.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,290 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($31,360) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Bowling Green, KY?
Experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with years of experience and specialized culinary skills can command higher wages, moving into higher pay percentiles.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Bowling Green, KY?
The job outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of 560 and a Location Quotient slightly below the national average, suggesting consistent but not rapidly expanding demand.
How does Bowling Green's cost of living compare nationally?
Bowling Green, KY, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant higher or lower in Bowling Green than the national average?
The concentration is lower, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.74. This means there are fewer Cooks, Restaurant per capita in Bowling Green compared to 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 560 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 6.965 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 Bowling Green, KY