Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Great Falls, MT
Cooks in Great Falls, Montana, earn an average annual salary of $36,500. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Great Falls culinary scene. While the nominal salary is slightly lower, the cost of living in Great Falls is on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced purchasing power for these essential workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,430.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Great Falls, MT, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 550 individuals dedicated to this role. The Location Quotient of 1.58 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable employment landscape for restaurant cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Great Falls, MT earns-3.2%below the national average.
$17.6
$702
$3,042
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Great Falls is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Cooks over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased consumer spending on dining out typically drive up wages for service industry professionals, including cooks, as demand for their skills intensifies.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
Salary progression for Cooks in Great Falls, MT, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The difference between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,450 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,375 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,570 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,625 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,430 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,500 in Great Falls, MT, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in Great Falls offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for those considering a move or already residing there.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
14.916
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Great Falls, MT has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, Great Falls, MT, exhibits a notably higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the demand for these culinary professionals is relatively strong within the local market, potentially offering more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,200↑ 5% | 56 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,550↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,500↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,010↑ 1% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Great Falls, MT is $36,500. This typically ranges from $22,450 for entry-level positions to $48,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 3.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Great Falls, MT a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
It is a stable, not exceptionally lucrative, place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $36,500 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating balanced purchasing power. The high location quotient suggests strong local demand.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($38,200) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary for Cooks in Great Falls compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Great Falls, MT, is $36,500, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What does the Cost of Living Index mean for a Cook in Great Falls?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the cost of living in Great Falls is the same as the national average. Therefore, the $36,500 salary has average purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Great Falls?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates a concentration of restaurant cook jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Great Falls?
There are approximately 550 individuals employed as Cooks in the Great Falls, MT, local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 14.916 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 Great Falls, MT