Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Cooks in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area earn an average annual salary of $29,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region likely contribute to this pay differential, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics of Florence-Muscle Shoals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,240.
- Outlook: The Florence-Muscle Shoals area supports a local workforce of 660 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.27, this indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 27% higher than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust demand for cooks in the region compared to the rest of the country, implying a stable job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earns-21.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$572
$2,480
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Florence-Muscle Shoals is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a gradual upward trajectory in compensation, though the pace of increase can vary based on local economic conditions and specific employer policies.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would illustrate these gaps, signifying clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,540 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,320 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,800 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,200 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,760 in Florence-Muscle Shoals aligns precisely 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 salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is offset by the stable cost of living, suggesting that the take-home pay should maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
11.951
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.27 for Cooks, Restaurant in Florence-Muscle Shoals signifies a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks in this area is relatively more abundant or in higher demand compared to other professions nationwide. While this indicates opportunity, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,760↑ 7% | 42 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,380↑ 12% | 59 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,550↑ 13% | 84 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,410↑ 2% | 84 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,180↑ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $29,760. This typically ranges from $21,540 for entry-level positions to $36,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 21.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for cooks is significantly lower than the national average. This suggests that while your money may go as far, the total earnings are less competitive.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($31,760) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the local cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earn approximately $29,760 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for cooks in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.27, indicating that there are more cook positions relative to the workforce size in Florence-Muscle Shoals compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The cost of living in Florence-Muscle Shoals is at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $29,760 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower wage.
How many cooks are employed in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
There are approximately 660 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area, representing about 11.951 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area with a job density of 11.951 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 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL