SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Columbus, OH

Cooks in Columbus, OH, earn an average annual salary of $34,970, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay difference is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services within the city, and the overall cost of doing business for restaurants in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,400.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,240 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.9, Columbus presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for culinary professionals compared to national averages. The presence of a significant number of workers suggests consistent demand and opportunities within the city's vibrant food scene.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,970

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, OH earns-7.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$673

Monthly

$2,914

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Columbus, OH

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, OH, typically sees a notable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and leadership in the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,810$12.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,228$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,510$17.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,713$21
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,400$21.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,970

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,970 in Columbus, OH, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

9,240

Total Jobs

8.516

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Columbus, OH has 0.90x 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 0.9 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, OH, is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively in sync, implying a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,380↓ 13%32 mi
West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,690↓ 15%32 mi
Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,880↓ 15%32 mi
Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,630↓ 15%32 mi
Springfield, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,280↓ 8%42 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbus, OH

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Columbus, OH?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Columbus, OH is $34,970. This typically ranges from $26,810 for entry-level positions to $44,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, OH is 7.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Columbus, OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Columbus, OH, offers a stable job market for Cooks, Restaurant, the average salary of $34,970 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.

Is Columbus, OH a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) ($30,380) and West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Columbus, OH?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Columbus, OH is $34,970.

How does the Columbus Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for a Cook in Columbus, OH ($34,970) is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.

Is the cost of living high in Columbus, OH for Cooks?

No, the cost of living in Columbus, OH is at the national average (Index of 100), meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Columbus, OH?

With 8.516 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 9,240, there is a consistent demand for Cooks in Columbus, OH, though the market concentration is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,240 employees in the Columbus, OH area with a job density of 8.516 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, OH