Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Columbus, IN
In Columbus, Indiana, Cooks in restaurants earn an average annual salary of $31,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and a smaller job market contribute to this pay differential, reflecting the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Columbus area for this culinary role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Columbus, IN, appears stable with a total local workforce of 350 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, there is a consistent presence and demand for culinary professionals within the community. The rate of 6.826 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, IN earns-17.0%below the national average.
$15
$602
$2,607
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cooks in Columbus, IN is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for most professions, including those in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN
Salary progression for Cooks in Columbus, IN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and senior cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings represent clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and tenure within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,890 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,460 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,100 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,410 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,280 in Columbus, IN, 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
6.826
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Columbus, IN has 0.72x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.72, Columbus, IN, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. The job market is therefore moderately competitive, with opportunities available but not as densely populated as in larger metropolitan areas with a higher demand for restaurant staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↑ 6% | 33 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,280↑ 13% | 41 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↑ 1% | 48 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 8% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Columbus, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, IN is $31,280. This typically ranges from $25,890 for entry-level positions to $36,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 17.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Columbus, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Columbus, IN is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,280 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, despite a cost of living that matches the national index.
Is Columbus, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($33,220) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
How does the Columbus, IN salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Columbus, IN is $31,280, which is approximately $6,420 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Columbus, IN?
The Location Quotient for Cooks in Columbus, IN is 0.72, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Columbus, IN affect the salary?
The cost of living in Columbus, IN is at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $31,280 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but does not offer a cost-of-living advantage.
How many Cooks are employed in Columbus, IN?
There are approximately 350 Cooks employed in Columbus, IN, representing about 6.826 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 6.826 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 Columbus, IN