Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Gainesville, GA
Cooks in Gainesville, GA, earn an average annual salary of $33,390, falling below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the specific demand within the Gainesville culinary scene and the overall cost of labor in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,700.
- Outlook: Gainesville, GA, supports a local workforce of approximately 800 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of nearly 8 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Gainesville, GA earns-11.4%below the national average.
$16.1
$642
$2,783
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gainesville is not provided, the restaurant industry nationally has seen consistent growth in demand for skilled cooks over the past four years. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Gainesville have also experienced a gradual upward trend, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased consumer spending on dining out.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Gainesville, GA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Gainesville, GA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding greater skill, responsibility, and tenure within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,880 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,043 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,020 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,738 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,700 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,390 in Gainesville, GA, 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 income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial impact of the salary neutral relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
7.767
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Gainesville, GA has 0.82x 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 0.82 indicates that Gainesville, GA, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these roles, the market is not oversaturated, and competition may be moderate. Professionals in this field may find a balanced job market with opportunities available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,950↓ 4% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,650↑ 4% | 49 mi |
| Dalton, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,040↓ 10% | 73 mi |
| Rome, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,240↓ 6% | 77 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,050↓ 4% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gainesville, GA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Gainesville, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Gainesville, GA is $33,390. This typically ranges from $23,880 for entry-level positions to $42,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gainesville, GA is 11.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Gainesville, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,390 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Gainesville, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Gainesville, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gainesville, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Athens-Clarke County, GA ($31,950) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Gainesville, GA?
Experience significantly impacts earnings, with senior cooks and chefs earning more than entry-level positions. This progression is reflected in the salary distribution across different experience levels.
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Restaurant in Gainesville, GA?
The job outlook is stable, with nearly 8 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent demand within the local culinary sector.
How does Gainesville's cost of living compare nationally?
Gainesville, GA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs high in Gainesville, GA?
The concentration is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.82, suggesting a moderate presence of these roles relative to other professions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Gainesville, GA area with a job density of 7.767 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 Gainesville, GA