Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Cooks in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL area earn an average annual salary of $32,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region likely contribute to this pay differential, influencing compensation for restaurant kitchen staff.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,810.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,680 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley area demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The high Location Quotient of 2.12 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is more than double the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized labor market for culinary roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL earns-14.2%below the national average.
$15.6
$622
$2,694
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving job market that aims to keep pace with the cost of living and attract skilled culinary talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,420 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,248 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,100 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,413 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,810 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,330 for Cooks in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,680
Total Jobs
20.005
Per 1K Jobs
2.12
Location Quotient
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL has 2.1x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.12 for Cooks, Restaurant in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized local market where demand for culinary professionals is more than twice the national norm, potentially leading to competitive hiring practices and a strong presence of restaurant establishments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,440↓ 3% | 14 mi |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,790↑ 8% | 43 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,880↓ 4% | 72 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,800↑ 14% | 78 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,150↓ 13% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is $32,330. This typically ranges from $22,420 for entry-level positions to $37,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is 14.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the local cost of living is average, the Cooks, Restaurant salary of $32,330 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific role.
Is Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mobile, AL ($31,440) and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL.
How does the local job market for Cooks compare to the national average?
The Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL area has a job market for Cooks that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.12, suggesting higher local demand relative to the workforce size.
What is the average number of Cooks per 1,000 workers in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
There are approximately 20.005 Cooks per 1,000 workers in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL area, highlighting a significant presence of this profession within the local employment landscape.
Does experience impact a Cook's salary in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role in salary determination. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with extensive experience and advanced culinary skills can command higher wages, reflecting career progression and expertise.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL?
The cost of living in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL is at the national average (100). This means the lower-than-national average salary of $32,330 for cooks has equivalent purchasing power locally compared to the national 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 1,680 employees in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL area with a job density of 20.005 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 Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL