Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Elizabethtown, KY
Cooks in Elizabethtown, KY, earn an average annual salary of $30,470, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the local demand for culinary services and the overall cost of labor within the Elizabethtown area. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in this field within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,640.
- Outlook: The Elizabethtown, KY market for Cooks, Restaurant roles shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 360 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. With 6.936 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for skilled culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Elizabethtown, KY earns-19.2%below the national average.
$14.7
$586
$2,539
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elizabethtown's culinary sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living increases and the demand for skilled kitchen staff evolves, potentially leading to modest but steady wage adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Elizabethtown, KY
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Elizabethtown, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,140 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,853 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,190 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,088 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,640 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,470 in Elizabethtown, KY, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Elizabethtown is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the salary offers a standard lifestyle in terms of affordability within the local context.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
6.936
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Elizabethtown, KY has 0.74x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, Elizabethtown, KY, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the local job market. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 12% | 39 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,290↑ 3% | 59 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,380↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,280↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,240↓ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elizabethtown, KY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Elizabethtown, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Elizabethtown, KY is $30,470. This typically ranges from $22,140 for entry-level positions to $36,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elizabethtown, KY is 19.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $30,470 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The lower concentration (LQ of 0.74) indicates less specialized demand than the national average.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elizabethtown, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($34,240) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Elizabethtown, KY?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY?
The Cost of Living Index for Elizabethtown, KY is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How does Elizabethtown's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Elizabethtown, KY, earn an average of $30,470 annually, which is approximately $7,230 less than the national average salary of $37,700 for the same profession.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Elizabethtown, KY?
The demand is moderate. With 6.936 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.74, the occupation is present but not disproportionately concentrated compared to the national average, suggesting stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Elizabethtown, KY area with a job density of 6.936 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 Elizabethtown, KY