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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Indiana

Cooks in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $33,670, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can be attributed to several localized economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services within the state and the prevailing wage scales influenced by the regional cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,620.
  • Outlook: Indiana's market for Cooks, Restaurant positions is substantial, with a local workforce of 27,640 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,670

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana earns-10.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.2

Weekly

$648

Monthly

$2,806

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Indiana

Salary progression for Cooks in Indiana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,490$12.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,253$12.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,040$16.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,088$20.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,620$20.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,411

Adjusted for COL (90)

The nominal average salary of $33,670 in Indiana presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90. This means that the purchasing power of an Indiana cook's salary is likely higher than the national average, allowing for a better standard of living compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

27,640

Total Jobs

8.674

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Indiana has 0.92x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the job market for Cooks in Indiana is nearly as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a balanced market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field, suggesting moderate competition and consistent employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,280↑ 5%8 mi
Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,310↓ 1%43 mi
Columbus, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,280↓ 7%48 mi
Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,220↓ 1%49 mi
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,420↓ 4%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Indiana

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Indiana?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Indiana is $33,670. This typically ranges from $26,490 for entry-level positions to $42,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 10.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, for purchasing power.While the nominal salary is below the national average, Indiana's lower cost of living means your earnings can stretch further, offering good value for your work.

Is Indiana a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,280) and Kokomo, IN.

How does Indiana's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Indiana is $33,670, which is approximately $4,030 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks in Indiana compared to the rest of the US?

Indiana has a Location Quotient of 0.92 for Cooks, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market.

How does the cost of living affect a cook's salary in Indiana?

Indiana's Cost of Living Index is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. This means the $33,670 salary has greater purchasing power in Indiana than a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living state.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Indiana?

There are approximately 27,640 individuals employed as Cooks in restaurants across Indiana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,640 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 8.674 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 Indiana