Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Jacksonville, FL
Cooks in Jacksonville, Florida, earn an average annual salary of $35,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for this role in the Sunshine State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,170.
- Outlook: Jacksonville boasts a substantial workforce of 8,580 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 11.347, the demand for culinary professionals in the city is evident, suggesting a stable and active job market for those in the food service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, FL earns-6.8%below the national average.
$16.9
$675
$2,927
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Jacksonville have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the service sector. This upward trajectory is often driven by inflation, rising food costs, and a sustained demand for dining experiences.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, FL
Salary progression for Cooks in Jacksonville typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of earnings for this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,240 | $13.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,340 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,240 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,900 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,170 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Jacksonville is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $35,120 for Cooks holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, suggesting that the take-home pay is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
8,580
Total Jobs
11.347
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Jacksonville, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Jacksonville's Location Quotient of 1.2 signifies a concentration of restaurant cooks that is 20% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and competitive market, where the demand for these professionals is relatively strong compared to the overall employment landscape in the city.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,220↓ 8% | 57 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,190↑ 0% | 60 mi |
| Ocala, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,530↓ 2% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Jacksonville, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, FL is $35,120. This typically ranges from $27,240 for entry-level positions to $43,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, FL is 6.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Jacksonville, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Jacksonville, FL offers a competitive, though not exceptionally high, earning potential for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The higher-than-average concentration of these jobs indicates a healthy local demand.
Is Jacksonville, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brunswick-St. Simons, GA ($32,220) and Gainesville, FL.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Jacksonville?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases for Cooks in Jacksonville. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while senior roles with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command significantly higher compensation, moving into the upper salary brackets.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Jacksonville?
The job outlook appears positive, with a substantial local workforce and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio that indicates strong demand. The Location Quotient of 1.2 further suggests a higher concentration of these roles than the national average.
How does Jacksonville's cost of living compare to the national average for Cooks?
Jacksonville's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means the $35,120 average salary for Cooks has a purchasing power that is consistent with the national median.
Is the market saturated with Cooks in Jacksonville?
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, Jacksonville has a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. This indicates a competitive market, but also a strong presence and demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,580 employees in the Jacksonville, FL area with a job density of 11.347 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 Jacksonville, FL