Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially different market demand influence compensation for this role in this specific locale. The lower average pay may be attributed to a variety of factors, including the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,660.
- Outlook: The East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 2,020 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.5, this indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 50% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and relatively strong demand for culinary talent within this region compared to the rest of the country.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-11.0%below the national average.
$16.1
$645
$2,796
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect an evolving job market and a sustained need for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
The salary trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant professionals typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,920 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,163 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,510 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,938 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,660 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $33,550 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, the purchasing power for a Cook in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the national standard. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services does not present an additional financial burden relative to other areas.
Job Market Context
2,020
Total Jobs
14.127
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.5 for Cooks, Restaurant in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a larger pool of available positions compared to the general job market, potentially leading to more opportunities for employment and career advancement within this specific sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,160↑ 14% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,360↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,380↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,760↓ 5% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,760↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $33,550. This typically ranges from $23,920 for entry-level positions to $41,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 11.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher than the national average, the average salary of $33,550 is below the national average of $37,700, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating less financial advantage.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($38,160) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the number of Cooks in East Tennessee compare nationally?
There are 2,020 Cooks, Restaurant professionals in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, representing 14.127 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average given the Location Quotient.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.5 means that Cooks, Restaurant jobs are 50% more concentrated in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence of this occupation.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in East Tennessee?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the same as the national average. Therefore, the $33,550 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, despite being a lower nominal figure.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in East Tennessee?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.5 suggests a higher concentration of jobs relative to the national average, implying a potentially robust job market for Cooks in this region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,020 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.127 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area