Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Johnson City, TN
Cooks in Johnson City, TN, earn an average annual salary of $31,990, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the cost of doing business within the region, and the overall demand for culinary professionals in the Johnson City area. Understanding these local dynamics is key to assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,690.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 790 individuals in this role, Johnson City presents a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, employment base for Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Johnson City is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent and steady demand that aligns with broader market trends.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Johnson City, TN earns-15.1%below the national average.
$15.4
$615
$2,666
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Johnson City isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, reflecting a dynamic job market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Johnson City, TN
Career progression for Cooks in Johnson City, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying these advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,020 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,993 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,640 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,988 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,690 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,990 in Johnson City aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Johnson City is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
9.688
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Johnson City, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.03 for Cooks in Johnson City indicates a job market that is highly representative of the national landscape. This suggests that the demand and supply for cooks are well-balanced, neither excessively competitive nor scarce, providing a stable environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,180↑ 4% | 16 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,500↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,590↑ 11% | 54 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↑ 4% | 72 mi |
| Knoxville, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,850↑ 6% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Johnson City, TN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Johnson City, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Johnson City, TN is $31,990. This typically ranges from $23,020 for entry-level positions to $39,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Johnson City, TN is 15.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Johnson City, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Johnson City is below the national average. This suggests that while your money may go as far, the overall earning potential is somewhat limited.
Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Johnson City, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Johnson City, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA ($33,180) and Morristown, TN.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects?
A workforce of 790 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not as large as major metropolitan areas, it indicates a consistent need for Cooks, offering stable employment opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.03 mean for a Cook?
A Location Quotient of 1.03 means the concentration of Cook jobs in Johnson City is slightly above the national average. This implies a healthy, steady demand for these professionals in the local economy.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Johnson City's expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $31,990 salary has average purchasing power locally, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the typical salary range for a Cook in Johnson City?
While the average is $31,990, entry-level positions might start lower, potentially around $25,000-$28,000, while experienced or specialized cooks could earn upwards of $40,000 or more, depending on the establishment and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Johnson City, TN area with a job density of 9.688 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 Johnson City, TN