Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Cooks in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area earn an average annual salary of $36,580, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate is influenced by the specific economic demands and the cost of labor within this popular coastal region, reflecting a balance between industry needs and the local economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,950.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC appears robust, with a total workforce of 1,840 individuals. The location quotient of 2.39 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-3.0%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,048
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and increasing demand for skilled service professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
The salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. Observing the distribution of salaries within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC market would reveal the earning potential at various career stages.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,110 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,435 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,710 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,725 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,950 | $22.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,580 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for Cooks in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
1,840
Total Jobs
22.497
Per 1K Jobs
2.39
Location Quotient
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 2.4x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.39 for Cooks, Restaurant in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment for employers seeking talent, and a favorable job market for cooks looking for opportunities, indicating a strong demand that outpaces the national average.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,900↓ 7% | 28 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,340↓ 1% | 63 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,220↓ 12% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $36,580. This typically ranges from $27,110 for entry-level positions to $46,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 3.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. The salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.While the average salary of $36,580 is slightly less than the national figure, the cost of living index of 100 means your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($33,900) and Charleston-North Charleston, SC.
How does the number of local cooks compare to the national average?
The concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is significantly higher than the national average, with a location quotient of 2.39, indicating a strong local demand for these professionals.
What is the average number of cook jobs per 1,000 workers in this area?
In Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, there are approximately 22.5 Cook, Restaurant jobs for every 1,000 workers, highlighting the prevalence of this occupation in the local economy.
How does the total local workforce size affect job prospects for cooks?
With a local workforce of 1,840 Cooks, Restaurant, the market is substantial enough to offer diverse opportunities, especially given the high concentration of these roles.
Does the cost of living impact the perceived value of a cook's salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
No, the cost of living index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $36,580 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary of $37,700.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,840 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 22.497 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 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC