Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Dalton, GA
In Dalton, GA, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $30,040, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the specific demand for culinary services and the overall cost of doing business within the region. The concentration of this role within Dalton's workforce also plays a part in shaping compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,330.
- Outlook: Dalton, GA supports a local workforce of approximately 400 Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The presence of over 6 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Dalton, GA earns-20.3%below the national average.
$14.4
$578
$2,503
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dalton, GA's restaurant cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry roles, including cooks, as businesses compete for talent and adapt to inflation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Dalton, GA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Dalton, GA, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, with senior cooks occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,010 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,530 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,550 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,330 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Dalton, GA is $30,040. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly in line with the rest of the country. This means that while the pay is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Dalton does not offset this difference, making the effective value of the salary equivalent to the national average in terms of what it can buy.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
6.045
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Dalton, GA has 0.64x 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.
Dalton, GA's Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.64 for Cooks, Restaurant indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the local economy compared to the national average. An LQ below 1.0 suggests that while the role exists and is employed, it is not a dominant industry sector within Dalton. This could imply a more competitive job market for cooks, as the supply of positions may not be as robust as in areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,960↑ 13% | 26 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,050↑ 7% | 29 mi |
| Rome, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,240↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Gainesville, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,390↑ 11% | 73 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,650↑ 15% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dalton, GA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Dalton, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Dalton, GA is $30,040. This typically ranges from $22,010 for entry-level positions to $37,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dalton, GA is 20.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Dalton, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Dalton, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $30,040 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, this does not compensate for the lower nominal wage.
Is Dalton, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Dalton, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dalton, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chattanooga, TN-GA ($33,960) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Dalton, GA's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Dalton, GA is $30,040, which is approximately $7,660 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Dalton, GA?
Dalton, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Dalton, GA?
There are approximately 400 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Dalton, GA, representing about 6.045 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Dalton, GA?
The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Dalton, GA is moderately developed, with a concentration (Location Quotient) below the national average, suggesting steady but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Dalton, GA area with a job density of 6.045 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 Dalton, GA