Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
In the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Restaurant professionals earn an average annual salary of $35,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and a more localized demand for specific services. The economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas often influences compensation structures, reflecting local market dynamics and operational costs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,440.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in East-Central Montana appears stable, with a total local workforce of 770 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.35 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand that outpaces the general U.S. distribution. This concentration points to a potentially steady need for culinary professionals within the region's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-5.7%below the national average.
$17.1
$684
$2,963
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Restaurant over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual salary growth for skilled positions like this.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience in diverse culinary settings can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career trajectory available, rewarding those who develop advanced skills, leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,530 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,663 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,438 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,440 | $22.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,550 in East-Central Montana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay retains its value relative to essential expenses.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
12.709
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.35, East-Central Montana demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for these culinary professionals is proportionally higher in this nonmetropolitan area than across the country. Such a quotient indicates a competitive landscape where employers may actively seek skilled individuals, potentially leading to more job opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,500↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,010↑ 4% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,600↑ 17% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is $35,550. This typically ranges from $22,530 for entry-level positions to $47,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 5.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $35,550 is slightly below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings hold equivalent purchasing power. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.35) indicates steady demand.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,500) and Helena, MT.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in East-Central Montana is $35,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.35 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.35 signifies that there are proportionally more Cook, Restaurant jobs in East-Central Montana compared to the national average, indicating a stronger local demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $35,550 salary in East-Central Montana offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in the area?
There are approximately 770 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.709 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 East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area