Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Georgia
Cooks in restaurants across Georgia earn an average annual salary of $33,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. The specific economic landscape and demand within Georgia's culinary sector are key factors influencing this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,930.
- Outlook: Georgia boasts a substantial workforce of 49,320 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the state shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a robust and consistent demand for culinary professionals within the state's hospitality industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia earns-11.3%below the national average.
$16.1
$643
$2,787
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is likely driven by increasing consumer spending on dining out and the need to retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Georgia
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight significant career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,080 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,090 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,800 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,930 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,489
Adjusted for COL (89.2)
The average annual salary of $33,440 in Georgia presents a mixed picture when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (meaning it's 10.8% cheaper than the national average), the nominal salary may stretch further for residents compared to higher cost-of-living areas, offering a reasonable purchasing power.
Job Market Context
49,320
Total Jobs
10.156
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Georgia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Georgia's Location Quotient of 1.08 for Cooks, Restaurant suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for these professionals, making the market competitive but also offering ample opportunities for those seeking employment in the state's vibrant food service scene.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Macon-Bibb County, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↓ 6% | 16 mi |
| Warner Robins, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,840↓ 5% | 31 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,950↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,650↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,120↓ 10% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Georgia
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Georgia?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Georgia is $33,440. This typically ranges from $22,410 for entry-level positions to $42,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Georgia is 11.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Georgia a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $33,440 is below the national average, Georgia's lower cost of living (89.2) means the salary offers decent purchasing power.
Is Georgia a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Georgia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($31,330) and Warner Robins, GA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Georgia?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Georgia is $33,440.
How does Georgia's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Georgia earn approximately $4,260 less per year on average compared to the national average salary of $37,700.
Is the demand for Cooks high in Georgia?
With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of Cook positions in Georgia is slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady demand.
How does the cost of living in Georgia affect a Cook's salary?
Georgia's cost of living is 10.8% lower than the national average, which helps to offset the lower nominal salary, making it more affordable for residents.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 49,320 employees in the Georgia area with a job density of 10.156 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 Georgia