Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
Cooks in Fort Wayne, IN earn an average annual salary of $33,060, which is below the national average of $37,700. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for culinary services and the overall wage structure within the Fort Wayne metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,390.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN, appears stable with a total workforce of 2,130 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Fort Wayne is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN earns-12.3%below the national average.
$15.9
$636
$2,755
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Wayne's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving consumer demand for dining experiences typically drive modest annual salary increases for roles like Cooks, Restaurant.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,840 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,795 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,550 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,325 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,390 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Fort Wayne, IN, is right at the national average. This means the average annual salary of $33,060 for Cooks, Restaurant offers a purchasing power that is also aligned with the national median, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for those earning this wage in the city.
Job Market Context
2,130
Total Jobs
9.493
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Fort Wayne, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.01 for Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN, indicates that the job market is neither over-saturated nor significantly underserved compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced environment where job opportunities are generally available, but competition may exist for highly desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lima, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,850↓ 4% | 59 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,700↑ 2% | 59 mi |
| Muncie, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,970↓ 3% | 63 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,310↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,720↑ 2% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN is $33,060. This typically ranges from $26,840 for entry-level positions to $40,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 12.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Fort Wayne, IN is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant based on average earnings.The average salary of $33,060 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the compensation does not stand out as exceptionally high.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($31,850) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compare to the national average in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne has 9.493 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is very close to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.01.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in Fort Wayne, IN?
There are approximately 2,130 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Fort Wayne, IN area.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Fort Wayne?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills will earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living in Fort Wayne affect the Cook's salary?
The cost of living in Fort Wayne is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $33,060 salary has average purchasing power when compared to national standards.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,130 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 9.493 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 Fort Wayne, IN