SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Cooks in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $33,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation for this profession within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,510.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,650 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.05, the job market in Chattanooga demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable, if not slightly growing, demand for culinary professionals, suggesting a robust environment for those seeking employment in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,960

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-9.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.3

Weekly

$653

Monthly

$2,830

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Chattanooga typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more experienced or senior roles. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the value placed on accumulated skills, experience, and potentially supervisory responsibilities, offering a clear path for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$25,500$12.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,470$12.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,220$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,450$20.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,510$20.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,960

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $33,960 in Chattanooga aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the effective take-home value comparable.

Job Market Context

2,650

Total Jobs

9.842

Per 1K Jobs

1.05

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.05, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.05 for Cooks, Restaurant in Chattanooga signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, presenting a balanced opportunity for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,050↓ 6%23 mi
Dalton, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,040↓ 12%26 mi
Rome, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,240↓ 8%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,380↓ 2%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,160↓ 17%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $33,960. This typically ranges from $25,500 for entry-level positions to $42,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 9.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, but the cost of living offsets the lower salary.While the average salary of $33,960 is below the national average, Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the purchasing power of this salary is on par with the national average.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($32,050) and Dalton, GA.

How does Chattanooga's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Chattanooga is $33,960, which is $3,740 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a Location Quotient of 1.05 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Chattanooga?

There are approximately 2,650 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.

Does experience impact a cook's salary in Chattanooga?

Yes, experience significantly influences salary, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 9.842 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA