SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Duluth, MN-WI

Cooks in Duluth, MN-WI earn an average annual salary of $36,490, slightly below the national average of $37,700. This minor discrepancy is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local hospitality sector. While the nominal pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for assessing its true value.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,760.
  • Outlook: The Duluth, MN-WI market supports a robust workforce of 1,520 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.3, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the region. The presence of 12.206 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the stability and opportunity within this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,490

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Duluth, MN-WI earns-3.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$702

Monthly

$3,041

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Duluth, MN-WI

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Duluth, MN-WI typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and senior cooks with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, offering clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,390$13.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,368$13.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,190$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,613$21.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,760$21.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,490

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,490 in Duluth, MN-WI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Duluth is comparable to the national average, making it neither exceptionally expensive nor remarkably affordable. Therefore, the nominal salary offers a standard quality of life relative to other areas across the country.

Job Market Context

1,520

Total Jobs

12.206

Per 1K Jobs

1.3

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.30, Duluth, MN-WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.3, Duluth, MN-WI exhibits a notable concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Duluth is more favorable for cooks than in many other regions, indicating a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking talent, and a good number of opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Duluth, MN-WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Duluth, MN-WI is $36,490. This typically ranges from $28,390 for entry-level positions to $44,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Duluth, MN-WI is 3.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Duluth, MN-WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with a stable cost of living.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the earning potential comparable. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.3) indicates strong local demand.

Is Duluth, MN-WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Duluth, MN-WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does experience affect a cook's salary in Duluth?

Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks earn less, while senior cooks with advanced skills and supervisory experience can command higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.

What is the job market like for cooks in Duluth, MN-WI?

The job market is robust, with a higher concentration of cook positions (LQ 1.3) than the national average, indicating strong local demand and good employment prospects.

How does Duluth's cost of living compare to the national average?

Duluth's cost of living is exactly at the national average (Index 100), meaning the purchasing power of a cook's salary is consistent with the national standard.

Are there many restaurant cook jobs in Duluth?

Yes, there are 1,520 restaurant cooks in Duluth, translating to 12.206 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is above the national average concentration.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,520 employees in the Duluth, MN-WI area with a job density of 12.206 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.