Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,650. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape and demand within this particular nonmetropolitan region significantly influence compensation levels for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,880.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of approximately 400 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.46 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly dominant presence within the local employment landscape. With 4.348 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present but not exceptionally high, suggesting a steady but not rapidly expanding job environment.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-24.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,388
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, aligning with national trends of incremental wage increases. This growth is often driven by inflation, rising food costs, and a gradual increase in demand for dining services, even in nonmetropolitan areas. Such trends typically translate to slight upward adjustments in average salaries year over year.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, perhaps around the 25th percentile, while highly experienced chefs or kitchen managers could command salaries closer to the 75th percentile or higher. The gap between these percentiles signifies the career advancement opportunities available through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,100 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,488 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,370 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,813 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,880 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,650 in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is likely comparable to what a cook might experience in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
4.348
Per 1K Jobs
0.46
Location Quotient
At 0.46x, East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.46, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it does not represent a disproportionately large segment of the local economy compared to other regions. The job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↑ 15% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 20% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,110↑ 16% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $28,650. This typically ranges from $20,100 for entry-level positions to $36,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 24.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $28,650 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?
A local workforce of 400 suggests a moderate-sized labor pool. While not a large market, it indicates a consistent need for cooks, though rapid job growth might be limited by the overall size of the employment sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.46 mean for Cooks in East Kentucky?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.46, signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area is less than the national average. This implies fewer job opportunities relative to the overall workforce compared to national trends.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks in this region?
Yes, as in most regions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with specialized skills or management experience can command higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $28,650 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,650 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal wage, the cost of essential goods and services is comparable to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.348 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 Kentucky nonmetropolitan area