Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Helena, MT
Cooks in Helena, Montana earn an average annual salary of $37,010. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Helena culinary scene. While the nominal salary is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local market dynamics is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,640.
- Outlook: Helena, MT supports a local workforce of 620 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.5, suggests a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the city. With 14.123 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape for cooks in Helena is notably active.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Helena, MT earns-1.8%below the national average.
$17.8
$712
$3,084
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Helena, MT, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and evolving culinary trends that necessitate higher compensation for experienced professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Salary progression for Cooks in Helena, MT, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, highlight the substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential available to those who develop their expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,758 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,120 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,263 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,640 | $23.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,010 in Helena, MT, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Helena is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
14.123
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 1.5x 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 1.5, Helena, MT, exhibits a concentration of restaurant cooks that is 50% higher than the national average. This indicates a relatively abundant job market for these professionals, suggesting that while demand is present, there may also be a healthy supply of qualified candidates, potentially leading to a competitive environment for securing positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,500↓ 1% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,200↑ 3% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,550↓ 4% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,500↑ 1% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,600↑ 12% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Helena, MT is $37,010. This typically ranges from $23,420 for entry-level positions to $49,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 1.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is close to the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage. The market is concentrated, suggesting ample opportunities but also potential competition.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,500) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Helena, MT compare to the national average salary for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Helena, MT, is $37,010, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Helena, MT?
Helena, MT has a Location Quotient of 1.5 for Cooks, indicating that the profession is 50% more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Helena, MT affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Helena's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $37,010 salary has average purchasing power.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Helena, MT?
There are approximately 620 Cooks employed in Helena, MT, representing a significant portion of the local workforce relative to the national average concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 14.123 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 Helena, MT