Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Cooks in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area earn an average annual salary of $30,880, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand within the local hospitality sector, and the overall cost of labor within the Mississippi Gulf Coast region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,410.
- Outlook: The Gulfport-Biloxi area supports a substantial workforce of 2,470 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.66, indicating a concentration 66% higher than the national average, the demand for these culinary roles is robust and significantly above the national benchmark, suggesting a stable job market for experienced individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earns-18.1%below the national average.
$14.9
$594
$2,573
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Gulfport-Biloxi is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical across most service industries as businesses adapt to changing labor costs and consumer demand.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,970 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,160 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,440 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,600 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,410 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,880 for Cooks in Gulfport-Biloxi 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 salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,470
Total Jobs
15.617
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS has 1.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.66 signifies that Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a potentially competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a wider pool of talent to choose from, but also that the profession is a key component of the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,680↓ 4% | 44 mi |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,080↑ 4% | 57 mi |
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,440↑ 2% | 59 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,150↓ 9% | 63 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,330↑ 5% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $30,880. This typically ranges from $22,970 for entry-level positions to $37,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 18.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less earning potential.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($29,680) and New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 15.617 jobs per 1,000 workers, Gulfport-Biloxi has a higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, indicating a stronger local job market for this profession.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Gulfport-Biloxi?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in the Gulfport-Biloxi area is approximately 2,470 individuals.
Does experience impact salary for Cooks in this area?
Yes, like most roles, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with specialized skills can earn considerably more than entry-level positions.
How does the local salary compare to the national average salary?
The average annual salary of $30,880 in Gulfport-Biloxi is lower than the national average of $37,700 for Cooks, Restaurant.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,470 employees in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area with a job density of 15.617 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 Gulfport-Biloxi, MS