Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Jackson, MS
Cooks in Jackson, Mississippi, earn an average annual salary of $29,620, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the local demand for culinary services and the overall cost of doing business within the state. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,250.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Jackson, MS, features a local workforce of approximately 2,000 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 7.434 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Jackson, MS earns-21.4%below the national average.
$14.2
$570
$2,468
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jackson, MS is not provided, it's generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant roles across the nation have seen modest but steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a persistent demand for skilled kitchen staff. We can reasonably assume a similar, albeit potentially smaller, upward salary adjustment has occurred for cooks in Jackson.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS
For Cooks, Restaurant positions in Jackson, MS, salary progression is directly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level roles typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and supervisory experience can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from a junior cook to a senior or head chef position.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,210 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,215 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,080 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,025 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,250 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook in Jackson, MS, stands at $29,620. This figure aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Jackson is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the $29,620 salary effectively stretches as far as the national average salary would in a typical American city.
Job Market Context
2,000
Total Jobs
7.434
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Jackson, MS has 0.79x 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 0.79, Jackson, MS, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not as dominant a sector as it might be in other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment where job seekers can find opportunities, but competition may exist for highly desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,770↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,620↓ 7% | 43 mi |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,680↓ 7% | 43 mi |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,070↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,150↓ 5% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jackson, MS
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Jackson, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Jackson, MS is $29,620. This typically ranges from $21,210 for entry-level positions to $37,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 21.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Jackson, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,620 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($28,770) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Jackson, MS?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Jackson, MS is $29,620.
How does the Jackson, MS salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Jackson, MS ($29,620) is lower than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks.
What is the Cost of Living in Jackson, MS?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in Jackson, MS?
The concentration of Cook jobs in Jackson, MS, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.79, is slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,000 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 7.434 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Jackson, MS
- All Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Production Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Management Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS
- Browse All Jobs in Jackson, MS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jackson, MS