Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hattiesburg, MS
Cooks in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, earn an average annual salary of $28,150, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the local demand for culinary services and the overall cost of labor within the Hattiesburg area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.03, Hattiesburg demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hattiesburg, MS earns-25.3%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,346
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hattiesburg is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases in the service industry, influenced by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Hattiesburg typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range widens significantly for experienced chefs and kitchen managers, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,010 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,113 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,280 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,188 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,130 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $28,150 in Hattiesburg aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
9.746
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Hattiesburg, MS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Hattiesburg's Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs is just slightly above the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the demand for these professionals is consistent with the national landscape, implying a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,880↑ 10% | 63 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,680↑ 5% | 76 mi |
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,440↑ 12% | 83 mi |
| Jackson, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,620↑ 5% | 87 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,540↓ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hattiesburg, MS is $28,150. This typically ranges from $21,010 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 25.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Hattiesburg, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant based on average earnings.The average salary of $28,150 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($30,880) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does the Hattiesburg Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Hattiesburg, MS is $28,150, which is approximately $9,550 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg has a Location Quotient of 1.03 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Hattiesburg affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Hattiesburg's cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary has a comparable purchasing power to the national average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Hattiesburg?
There are approximately 610 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Hattiesburg, MS workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 9.746 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 Hattiesburg, MS