Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,380, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services in nonmetropolitan settings, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating within these areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,100 individuals in this role, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand that aligns with the size of the local workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-22.1%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,448
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational costs for restaurants and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start 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 reflect this career trajectory, rewarding those who advance their expertise and responsibilities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,860 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,035 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,690 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,725 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,330 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,380 in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
6.382
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.68x 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 0.68 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are less prevalent in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals, but also implying a lower overall demand relative to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↑ 12% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↑ 4% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 17% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,110↑ 13% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $29,380. This typically ranges from $20,860 for entry-level positions to $36,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 22.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $29,380 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $29,380, which is substantially lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that Cooks are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average, suggesting a lower relative demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the same as the national average. Therefore, the lower salary of $29,380 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, but represents a lower nominal income.
What is the total number of Cooks employed locally?
There are approximately 1,100 Cooks employed in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.382 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 Kentucky nonmetropolitan area