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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Florence, SC

Cooks in Florence, South Carolina, earn an average annual salary of $32,580, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand for culinary professionals within the region, and the overall cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,340.
  • Outlook: Florence, SC, supports a local workforce of 740 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand compared to other areas. The presence of 8.23 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these skilled individuals within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,580

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Florence, SC earns-13.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$627

Monthly

$2,715

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Florence, SC

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant professionals in Florence, SC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and leadership in the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,820$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,435$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,080$16.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,725$19.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,340$20.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,580

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,580 in Florence, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear 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

740

Total Jobs

8.23

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Florence, SC has 0.87x 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 0.87 indicates that Florence, SC, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may be less saturated than in major metropolitan areas, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Sumter, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,120↓ 4%38 mi
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,590↑ 3%61 mi
Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,460↑ 6%64 mi
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,010↓ 2%70 mi
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,220↑ 2%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Florence, SC

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Florence, SC?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Florence, SC is $32,580. This typically ranges from $21,820 for entry-level positions to $42,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Florence, SC is 13.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Florence, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,580 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.

Is Florence, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Florence, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Florence, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sumter, SC ($31,120) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Florence, SC?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Florence, SC, is $32,580.

How does the Florence, SC salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Florence, SC ($32,580) is lower than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks, Restaurant.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Florence, SC?

Florence, SC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the same as the national average.

How concentrated are Cook jobs in Florence, SC?

The concentration of Cook jobs in Florence, SC, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.87, which is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Florence, SC area with a job density of 8.23 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 Florence, SC