Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,900, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales specific to nonmetropolitan labor markets.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,050.
- Outlook: The Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,440 Cooks, Restaurant positions, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these roles. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent need for culinary professionals without an overwhelming surplus or deficit.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-23.3%below the national average.
$13.9
$556
$2,408
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Central Indiana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This incremental increase would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive employment conditions within the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically involves a significant salary increase 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 salaries well above the average, often reflected in the higher percentiles of earnings, signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,930 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,675 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,380 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,125 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,050 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,900 in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national 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 cost of essential goods and services is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
1,440
Total Jobs
8.959
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.95x 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 0.95 for Cooks, Restaurant in Central Indiana indicates that the job market for this profession is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, where the number of available positions relative to the workforce size is neither exceptionally high nor low, presenting a moderately competitive but stable employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,280↑ 22% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,310↑ 15% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,280↑ 8% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↑ 15% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,420↑ 12% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $28,900. This typically ranges from $17,930 for entry-level positions to $38,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 23.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $28,900 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing purchasing power.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,280) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the local Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Central Indiana earn an average of $28,900 annually, which is $8,800 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,440 Cooks employed in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in this area compared to the nation?
The concentration of Cook jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, indicating it's very close to the national average concentration.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Cook's salary in Central Indiana?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $28,900 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,440 employees in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.959 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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area