Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Gadsden, AL
Cooks in Gadsden, Alabama, earn an average annual salary of $28,160. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Gadsden area contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,730.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 360 individuals in this role, Gadsden presents a moderate employment landscape for cooks. The location quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not booming, demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Gadsden, AL earns-25.3%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,347
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gadsden is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Gadsden, AL
Salary progression for cooks in Gadsden, AL, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,490 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,120 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,200 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,730 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,160 in Gadsden, AL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
10.995
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Gadsden, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Gadsden, AL, exhibits a location quotient of 1.17 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a concentration of these jobs that is 17% higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more robust job market for cooks in Gadsden compared to many other areas, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the size of the local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↑ 6% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,240↑ 11% | 51 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,610↑ 16% | 56 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,380↑ 19% | 60 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,760↑ 13% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gadsden, AL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Gadsden, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Gadsden, AL is $28,160. This typically ranges from $21,490 for entry-level positions to $34,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gadsden, AL is 25.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Gadsden, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative.While the concentration of jobs is slightly above the national average, the average salary of $28,160 is significantly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Gadsden, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Gadsden, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gadsden, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Anniston-Oxford, AL ($29,920) and Rome, GA.
How does the Gadsden cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for cooks in Gadsden, AL is $28,160, which is substantially lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Gadsden, AL for cooks?
Gadsden, AL has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your earnings in Gadsden will have the same purchasing power as the national average.
Is there high demand for cooks in Gadsden, AL?
With a location quotient of 1.17, there is a slightly higher concentration of cook positions in Gadsden compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand.
How many cooks are employed in Gadsden, AL?
There are approximately 360 cooks employed in Gadsden, AL, representing about 10.995 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Gadsden, AL area with a job density of 10.995 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 Gadsden, AL