SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Decatur, AL

In Decatur, AL, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,760, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales within the region's specific job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,880.
  • Outlook: Decatur, AL supports a local workforce of 460 Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for culinary professionals in the area. The presence of nearly 8 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,760

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, AL earns-15.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$611

Monthly

$2,647

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, AL, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary knowledge can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,880$11
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,820$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,790$14.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,700$19.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,880$18.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,760 in Decatur, AL aligns precisely 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 income within Decatur is comparable to the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

460

Total Jobs

7.752

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Decatur, AL has 0.82x 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 0.82 for Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, AL indicates that the job market for these professionals is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of these roles, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,380↑ 5%22 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,760↓ 6%42 mi
Gadsden, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,160↓ 11%68 mi
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,610↑ 3%73 mi
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,550↑ 6%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Decatur, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, AL is $31,760. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $37,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 15.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,760 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national index, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($33,380) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

How does Decatur's cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Decatur, AL earn an average of $31,760 annually, which is less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the cost of living in Decatur, AL for cooks?

Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many restaurant cooks are there in Decatur, AL?

There are approximately 460 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Decatur, AL, representing about 7.752 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Is the job market for cooks in Decatur, AL growing?

While specific growth trends aren't detailed, the stable number of jobs and a Location Quotient slightly below average suggest a consistent, rather than rapidly expanding, job market for cooks in Decatur.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 7.752 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 Decatur, AL