Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Cooks in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area earn an average annual salary of $35,280. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region contribute to this pay scale. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary is the prevailing rate for culinary professionals in this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,800.
- Outlook: The Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area supports a substantial workforce of 9,210 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles is just shy of the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally overrepresented job market. The presence of 8.4 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN earns-6.4%below the national average.
$17
$678
$2,940
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for skilled culinary staff to maintain quality and consistency in local establishments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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 clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding those who develop their expertise and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,820 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,460 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,040 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,800 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,280 in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
9,210
Total Jobs
8.4
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN has 0.89x 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 0.89, the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN market for Cooks, Restaurant is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of these roles, the job market is not saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. It indicates a healthy demand relative to the national distribution of this occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↓ 10% | 8 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↓ 10% | 8 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 18% | 8 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,280↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↓ 6% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is $35,280. This typically ranges from $28,820 for entry-level positions to $42,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 6.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,280 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area ($31,600) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Indianapolis cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is $35,280, which is approximately 6.4% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN for cooks?
The Cost of Living Index for Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in the Indianapolis area?
There are approximately 9,210 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metropolitan area.
Is the job market for cooks competitive in Indianapolis?
The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially balanced job market with steady demand rather than intense competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,210 employees in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area with a job density of 8.4 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 Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN