Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hammond, LA
Cooks in Hammond, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $27,540, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services within the region, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating in Hammond.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,030.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks in Hammond, LA, shows a stable presence with a total workforce of 430 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hammond, LA earns-26.9%below the national average.
$13.2
$530
$2,295
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hammond is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hammond, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Hammond, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, with top earners potentially exceeding the average by a considerable margin, reflecting the value of expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,340 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,655 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,670 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,425 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,030 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Hammond, LA, is precisely at the national average. This means the nominal salary of $27,540 for Cooks, Restaurant, offers a purchasing power that aligns with the typical American standard, suggesting that while not high, the salary is commensurate with the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
9.044
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Hammond, LA has 0.96x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.96 for Cooks, Restaurant in Hammond, LA, indicates a job market that is neither significantly over- nor under-saturated compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced environment where job opportunities are present but competition may be moderate, with demand closely reflecting national employment patterns for this role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,970↑ 16% | 40 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,680↑ 8% | 43 mi |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,080↑ 16% | 44 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,100↑ 2% | 66 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,880↑ 12% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hammond, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hammond, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hammond, LA is $27,540. This typically ranges from $20,340 for entry-level positions to $35,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hammond, LA is 26.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hammond, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Hammond, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $27,540 is substantially lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay limits earning potential.
Is Hammond, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hammond, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hammond, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($31,970) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Hammond, LA?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory roles can expect to earn considerably more than the average salary.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Hammond, LA?
The job outlook appears stable, with a concentration of roles (LQ 0.96) that closely mirrors the national average, suggesting consistent demand for culinary professionals in the region.
How does Hammond's cost of living compare nationally?
Hammond, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly average when compared to the national standard for expenses like housing, food, and transportation.
Are there many restaurant cook jobs in Hammond, LA?
With 9.044 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of restaurant cook positions in Hammond is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence of these roles within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Hammond, LA area with a job density of 9.044 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 Hammond, LA