SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Eau Claire, WI

Cooks in Eau Claire, WI, earn an average annual salary of $35,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting localized economic factors and the specific demand within the Eau Claire culinary scene. The cost of living in Eau Claire aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that this salary offers a comparable standard of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,690.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 740 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.92, Eau Claire presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for this profession compared to national averages. The presence of 8.629 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, ongoing demand for culinary professionals within the region, suggesting a healthy employment landscape for skilled cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,390

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Eau Claire, WI earns-6.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17

Weekly

$681

Monthly

$2,949

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Eau Claire, WI

Salary progression for Cooks in Eau Claire, WI, 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 between entry-level, mid-career, and senior cooks highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$25,190$12.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,543$12.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,090$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,238$21.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,690$22

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,390 in Eau Claire, WI, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the local market, allowing residents to maintain a standard of living consistent with the national average.

Job Market Context

740

Total Jobs

8.629

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Eau Claire, WI has 0.92x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.92 for Cooks, Restaurant in Eau Claire, WI, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of cooks, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering or advancing within the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,510↑ 3%70 mi
Rochester, MN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,850↑ 10%74 mi
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,830↑ 18%87 mi
Wausau, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,480↑ 3%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Eau Claire, WI

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Eau Claire, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Eau Claire, WI is $35,390. This typically ranges from $25,190 for entry-level positions to $45,690 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Eau Claire, WI is 6.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Eau Claire, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,390 is slightly below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Eau Claire, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($36,510) and Rochester, MN.

How does the Eau Claire cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Eau Claire, WI is $35,390, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI?

Eau Claire, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Eau Claire, WI?

There are approximately 740 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Eau Claire, WI, representing about 8.629 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Is the job market for cooks strong in Eau Claire, WI?

With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the market is stable and shows consistent demand, though it's slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Eau Claire, WI area with a job density of 8.629 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Eau Claire, WI