Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Cooks in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area earn an average annual salary of $33,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation for this role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,410.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 710 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.59, the Elkhart-Goshen area exhibits a concentration of these roles that is below the national average. This indicates a moderate but not exceptionally high demand for cooks relative to the overall labor market in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-10.6%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,808
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in earnings for professionals in this field.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start near the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career advancement, with senior cooks occupying the upper salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,550 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,275 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,130 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,125 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,410 | $20.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,700 in Elkhart-Goshen aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
5.52
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 0.59x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.59 for Cooks, Restaurant in Elkhart-Goshen signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks may be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, though overall demand is not exceptionally high.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,720↑ 0% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,510↑ 5% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,340↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,970↑ 13% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $33,700. This typically ranges from $27,550 for entry-level positions to $42,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 10.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Elkhart-Goshen, IN is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $33,700 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate makes it less financially rewarding compared to national benchmarks.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($33,720) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $33,700, which is $4,000 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.59, indicating that this profession is less common in Elkhart-Goshen compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the Elkhart-Goshen Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. Therefore, the $33,700 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
There are approximately 710 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 5.52 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN