Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Clarksville, TN-KY
Cooks in the Clarksville, TN-KY area earn an average annual salary of $31,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Clarksville market contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,590.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 870 Cooks, Restaurant positions, Clarksville presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with broader industry trends.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Clarksville, TN-KY earns-16.8%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,613
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Clarksville, TN-KY have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Clarksville, TN-KY
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles in Clarksville, TN-KY typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,380 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,520 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,200 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,590 | $19 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,360 in Clarksville, TN-KY aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. 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 standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
8.58
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Clarksville, TN-KY has 0.91x 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 0.91 for Cooks, Restaurant in Clarksville, TN-KY indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,160↑ 22% | 42 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,290↓ 0% | 57 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,550↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,410↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,180↓ 4% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Clarksville, TN-KY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Clarksville, TN-KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Clarksville, TN-KY is $31,360. This typically ranges from $22,380 for entry-level positions to $39,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Clarksville, TN-KY is 16.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Clarksville, TN-KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant is below the national benchmark. This means earning potential is somewhat limited in this specific location.
Is Clarksville, TN-KY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Clarksville, TN-KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Clarksville, TN-KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($38,160) and Bowling Green, KY.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook in Clarksville, TN-KY?
Based on the average annual salary of $31,360 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook in Clarksville, TN-KY is around $15.08.
How does the number of Cooks in Clarksville compare to the national average?
With 8.58 Cooks per 1,000 workers, the proportion of Cooks in Clarksville's workforce is very close to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.91.
Are there many job openings for Cooks in Clarksville?
The total local workforce of 870 suggests a consistent presence of Cooks, Restaurant roles. While the Location Quotient is slightly below average, it indicates a stable job market rather than a scarcity of opportunities.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Clarksville?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience and advanced culinary skills can expect to earn considerably more than the stated 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 870 employees in the Clarksville, TN-KY area with a job density of 8.58 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 Clarksville, TN-KY