Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Decatur, IL
In Decatur, IL, Cooks, Restaurant professionals can expect an average annual salary of $35,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Decatur influence compensation for this role. While the nominal salary may seem lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic landscape when evaluating earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,160.
- Outlook: Decatur, IL supports a local workforce of 360 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of nearly 8 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for culinary talent within the city's dining establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, IL earns-7.1%below the national average.
$16.8
$674
$2,919
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's restaurant cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits likely contribute to modest increases in compensation for skilled kitchen staff, aiming to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, IL typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and leadership within the kitchen environment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,273 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,280 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,788 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,160 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,030 in Decatur, IL aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Decatur is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively maintains its value within the local economic context, offering a comparable standard of living to what one might expect elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
7.987
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Decatur, IL has 0.85x 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 0.85, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, IL is slightly less concentrated than 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 likely stable, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in regions with a higher concentration of food service establishments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,630↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,170↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,810↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,260↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| Springfield, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,350↑ 1% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, IL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Decatur, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur, IL is $35,030. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 7.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Decatur, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,030 is below the national average of $37,700, and the location quotient indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs.
Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($33,630) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does Decatur's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
Decatur's cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $35,030 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the job market like for Cooks, Restaurant in Decatur?
The job market is stable, with 360 professionals employed locally and nearly 8 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a consistent demand for culinary staff.
How does experience impact a cook's salary in Decatur?
Experience significantly influences salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized cooks commanding higher pay, reflecting career progression.
Is the concentration of restaurant cooks higher or lower than the national average in Decatur?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.85, is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting restaurant cook roles are present but not disproportionately dominant in Decatur's job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 7.987 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 Decatur, IL