Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fairbanks-College, AK
Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, earn an average annual salary of $40,290, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is often influenced by the unique economic factors and operational demands present in Alaska's interior, potentially including higher costs for goods and services or specialized labor market conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,820.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, appears stable, with a local workforce of 270 individuals. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not overly saturated demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fairbanks-College, AK earns+6.9%above the national average.
$19.4
$775
$3,358
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a consistent demand for skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fairbanks-College, AK
Career progression for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above the average, with higher percentiles reflecting this advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,470 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,218 | $14.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,350 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,363 | $24.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,820 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,290 in Fairbanks-College, AK, 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 location is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
7.645
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Fairbanks-College, AK has 0.81x 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 0.81, Fairbanks-College, AK, shows a slightly lower concentration of Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not disproportionately saturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for qualified individuals without overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fairbanks-College, AK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fairbanks-College, AK is $40,290. This typically ranges from $29,470 for entry-level positions to $44,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fairbanks-College, AK is 6.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Fairbanks-College, AK a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially favorable for the profession.
Is Fairbanks-College, AK a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Fairbanks-College, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK?
A local workforce of 270 indicates a moderate-sized pool of culinary professionals. This suggests that while there are established roles, there may also be opportunities for new entrants or those seeking to advance their careers within the existing structure.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.81 mean for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK?
A location quotient of 0.81 signifies that the concentration of Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK, is slightly less than the national average. This could imply a balanced job market where demand is steady but not excessively high, offering reasonable job security.
How does the cost of living in Fairbanks-College, AK, impact the Cook's salary?
The cost of living index being at 100 means that the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher-than-average salary of $40,290 provides a good purchasing power for residents in Fairbanks-College, AK.
What is the typical salary range for Cooks in Fairbanks-College, AK?
While the average is $40,290, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, the type of establishment, and specific responsibilities. Entry-level positions will likely be lower, while experienced chefs in fine dining or high-volume establishments could earn considerably more.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Fairbanks-College, AK area with a job density of 7.645 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 Fairbanks-College, AK