SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Huntsville, AL

Cooks in Huntsville, AL earn an average annual salary of $33,380, falling below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Huntsville metropolitan area for culinary professionals. While the nominal salary might seem lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,540.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,040 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.83, Huntsville presents a slightly less concentrated market for these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, though not exceptionally high, demand for culinary talent within the city, indicating a consistent job market for skilled cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,380

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Huntsville, AL earns-11.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.1

Weekly

$642

Monthly

$2,782

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

The career path for Cooks, Restaurant in Huntsville, AL, typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might hover around the lower percentiles, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear progression and reward for accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,360$11.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,035$12
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,440$16.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,725$20.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,540$20.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,380 in Huntsville, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Huntsville is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

2,040

Total Jobs

7.859

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Huntsville, AL has 0.83x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Huntsville has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it's not a dominant industry sector within the local economy, implying a moderately competitive job market for these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,760↓ 5%22 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,760↓ 11%59 mi
Gadsden, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,160↓ 16%60 mi
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,550↑ 1%73 mi
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,410↓ 9%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Huntsville, AL is $33,380. This typically ranges from $23,360 for entry-level positions to $43,540 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 11.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,380 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. The slightly lower concentration of jobs (LQ 0.83) suggests moderate demand.

Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($31,760) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Huntsville, AL?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Huntsville, AL is $33,380.

How does Huntsville's Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Huntsville, AL earn approximately $4,320 less per year than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the same as the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Huntsville, AL?

There are approximately 2,040 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Huntsville, AL, representing 7.859 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,040 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 7.859 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL