SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Columbus, GA-AL

Cooks in the Columbus, GA-AL area earn an average annual salary of $30,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand, cost of labor, and the specific economic environment of the region, play a significant role in determining compensation for this role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,500.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,120 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market in Columbus, GA-AL shows a slight concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals within the area, suggesting a consistent employment landscape for cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,120

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, GA-AL earns-20.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.5

Weekly

$579

Monthly

$2,510

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Columbus, GA-AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,410$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,590$10.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,890$14.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,650$18.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,500$17.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,120 for Cooks in Columbus, GA-AL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within Columbus is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,120

Total Jobs

9.642

Per 1K Jobs

1.02

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.02, Columbus, GA-AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.02 for Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, GA-AL signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, offering moderate opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,370↑ 1%36 mi
Warner Robins, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,840↑ 6%72 mi
Macon-Bibb County, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,330↑ 4%72 mi
Albany, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,140↑ 0%76 mi
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,460↓ 2%81 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbus, GA-AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Columbus, GA-AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, GA-AL is $30,120. This typically ranges from $22,410 for entry-level positions to $36,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, GA-AL is 20.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Columbus, GA-AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, but it is balanced.The average salary of $30,120 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent.

Is Columbus, GA-AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, GA-AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Auburn-Opelika, AL ($30,370) and Warner Robins, GA.

How does the Columbus, GA-AL salary compare to the national average for Cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Columbus, GA-AL is $30,120, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Columbus, GA-AL relative to the nation?

Columbus, GA-AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Columbus, GA-AL?

There are approximately 9.642 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, GA-AL.

Is the job market for Cooks saturated in Columbus, GA-AL?

With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market is not overly saturated; it is very close to the national average concentration, suggesting a balanced supply and demand for Cooks.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,120 employees in the Columbus, GA-AL area with a job density of 9.642 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 Columbus, GA-AL