Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Casper, WY
Cooks in Casper, Wyoming, earn an average annual salary of $35,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in markets with a lower cost of living and a more localized demand for specific roles. The unique economic landscape of Casper influences compensation for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,180.
- Outlook: Casper, WY, hosts a substantial local workforce of 490 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, indicating a stable demand for these roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.32, the concentration of these jobs in Casper is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for culinary talent in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Casper, WY earns-5.9%below the national average.
$17.1
$682
$2,955
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Casper have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and evolving culinary demands likely contribute to modest annual increases, reflecting a dynamic job market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Casper, WY
Salary progression for Cooks in Casper, WY, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local culinary industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,680 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,595 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,530 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,325 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,180 | $22.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $35,460 in Casper, WY, is directly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Casper is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially neutral location for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
12.432
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Casper, WY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 for Cooks, Restaurant in Casper, WY, signifies a market that is 32% more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers may actively seek out skilled individuals, offering a good opportunity for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,020↑ 13% | 50 mi |
| Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,600↑ 3% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Casper, WY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Casper, WY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Casper, WY is $35,460. This typically ranges from $28,680 for entry-level positions to $47,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Casper, WY is 5.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Casper, WY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Casper, WY, has a higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average, the average salary of $35,460 is below the national benchmark of $37,700. The cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary translates to equivalent purchasing power, but not necessarily higher earning potential.
Is Casper, WY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Casper, WY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Casper, WY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($40,020) and Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local cooks in Casper compare nationally?
Casper, WY has 490 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, with 12.432 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a significant local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for cooks in Casper?
An LQ of 1.32 means Casper has a higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average, suggesting stronger local demand relative to the national distribution.
How does Casper's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Casper's living expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $35,460 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What are the career growth prospects for cooks in Casper?
While specific data isn't available, the higher concentration of cooks and the typical salary progression based on experience suggest that dedicated individuals can advance their careers and increase their earnings within Casper's culinary scene.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Casper, WY area with a job density of 12.432 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 Casper, WY