Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kenosha, WI
In Kenosha, WI, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $37,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a minor disparity that can be influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Kenosha culinary scene. While close to the national benchmark, this salary reflects the unique economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,430.
- Outlook: Kenosha, WI supports a local workforce of 610 Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market. With 8.177 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for culinary professionals remains consistent within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kenosha, WI earns-0.9%below the national average.
$18
$718
$3,113
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kenosha's restaurant cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services post-pandemic, and rising food costs likely contribute to incremental salary growth for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kenosha, WI
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Kenosha, WI, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,020 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,020 | $13.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,570 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,700 | $22.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,430 | $22.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,360 in Kenosha, WI aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for individuals considering a move or living within the area.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
8.177
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Kenosha, WI has 0.87x 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 0.87, Kenosha, WI has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher LQ. This could translate to a more accessible job search for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,530↓ 5% | 10 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,700↑ 4% | 33 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,810↑ 4% | 51 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,770↓ 4% | 58 mi |
| Rockford, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,520↓ 5% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kenosha, WI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kenosha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kenosha, WI is $37,360. This typically ranges from $28,020 for entry-level positions to $46,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kenosha, WI is 0.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Kenosha, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $37,360 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while stable, Kenosha does not offer a substantial financial advantage for this role compared to the rest of the country.
Is Kenosha, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Kenosha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kenosha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($35,530) and Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI.
How does Kenosha's job market compare to the national average for Cooks?
Kenosha has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita (LQ of 0.87) than the national average, suggesting a stable but less dense job market.
What is the typical salary range for a Cook in Kenosha, WI?
While the average is $37,360, entry-level positions might start lower, and experienced or specialized cooks can earn considerably more, reflecting career progression.
Does the cost of living in Kenosha affect the value of a Cook's salary?
No, the cost of living in Kenosha is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $37,360 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Kenosha?
With 8.177 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of job opportunities for Cooks, Restaurant in Kenosha, indicating steady demand within the local hospitality sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Kenosha, WI area with a job density of 8.177 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 Kenosha, WI