Cooks in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $43,250, significantly exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is likely driven by the unique demands and potentially higher operating costs associated with providing culinary services in this distinct, non-metropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 960 individuals in this role, the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region demonstrates a substantial presence of restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.61 indicates that this profession is more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized labor market for culinary professionals within this area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area earns+14.7%above the national average.
$20.8
$832
$3,604
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often influenced by increasing operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,580 | $17.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,438 | $15.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,070 | $20.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,063 | $26 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,360 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,250 in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region 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, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover local expenses.
Job Market Context
960
Total Jobs
15.179
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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 1.61 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are approximately 61% more prevalent in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain skilled culinary talent, while also indicating a strong community reliance on these services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,860↓ 8% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,600↓ 8% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,360↓ 9% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,500↓ 9% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,340↓ 2% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area is $43,250. This typically ranges from $36,580 for entry-level positions to $48,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 14.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in this region earn more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($39,860) and Visalia, CA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region is $43,250, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in this region?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.61, indicating that this profession is significantly more common in this region than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $43,250 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in the region?
There are approximately 960 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California 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 960 employees in the Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 15.179 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 Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area