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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fargo, ND-MN

Cooks in the Fargo, ND-MN area earn an average annual salary of $36,220. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. The cost of living in Fargo aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning this salary offers comparable purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,220 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,530.
  • Outlook: The Fargo, ND-MN area supports a robust local workforce of 1,570 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.13, the concentration of these roles is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a steady demand and a potentially favorable job market for skilled individuals in this culinary sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,220

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fargo, ND-MN earns-3.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.4

Weekly

$697

Monthly

$3,018

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fargo, ND-MN

Career progression for Cooks in Fargo, ND-MN typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their acquired skills, leadership abilities, and broader responsibilities within a restaurant setting.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,590$13.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,165$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,540$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,275$21.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,530$21.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,220

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,220

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal salary of $36,220 in Fargo, ND-MN is directly comparable to the national average due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Fargo is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average elsewhere, making it a stable financial environment.

Job Market Context

1,570

Total Jobs

10.642

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, Fargo, ND-MN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.13 signifies that Fargo, ND-MN has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for culinary professionals, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive, yet accessible, job market for those entering or advancing in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Grand Forks, ND-MN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,660↓ 2%74 mi

Comparing salaries near Fargo, ND-MN

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fargo, ND-MN?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fargo, ND-MN is $36,220. This typically ranges from $27,590 for entry-level positions to $45,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fargo, ND-MN is 3.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Fargo, ND-MN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Moderately. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the job concentration is slightly higher.The average salary of $36,220 is close to the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power is equivalent. The slightly elevated Location Quotient indicates a solid job market.

Is Fargo, ND-MN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Fargo, ND-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fargo, ND-MN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Forks, ND-MN ($35,660) and others.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Fargo, ND-MN?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Fargo, ND-MN is $36,220.

How does Fargo's Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Fargo ($36,220) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700).

Is the job market for Cooks strong in Fargo, ND-MN?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.13 suggests a slightly higher concentration of Cook jobs than the national average, indicating a healthy demand.

How does the cost of living in Fargo affect salary perception?

Fargo's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $36,220 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,570 employees in the Fargo, ND-MN area with a job density of 10.642 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 Fargo, ND-MN