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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kentucky

Cooks in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $32,340, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales within the state's hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,620.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 14,400 Cooks, Restaurant, Kentucky demonstrates a significant presence in this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,340

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky earns-14.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.6

Weekly

$622

Monthly

$2,695

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kentucky

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership in the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,680$10.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,255$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,960$14.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,425$19.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$41,620$20

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,013

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average annual salary of $32,340 in Kentucky presents a reasonable purchasing power when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may translate to a slightly better real income or savings potential for residents compared to living in more expensive regions.

Job Market Context

14,400

Total Jobs

7.22

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kentucky has 0.77x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.77 for Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and supported by a sizable workforce, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,980↑ 2%28 mi
Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,470↓ 6%66 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,240↑ 6%72 mi
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,110↑ 2%100 mi

Comparing salaries near Kentucky

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky is $32,340. This typically ranges from $22,680 for entry-level positions to $41,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 14.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, Kentucky is not a particularly lucrative state for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,340 is below the national average of $37,700, although the lower cost of living offers some compensation.

Is Kentucky a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) and Elizabethtown, KY.

What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 14,400 individuals in roles as Cooks, Restaurant.

How does Kentucky's cost of living compare to the national average?

Kentucky's cost of living is lower than the national average, with an index of 89.8 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

Are there many Cooks, Restaurant jobs per worker in Kentucky?

There are 7.22 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky, indicating a moderate presence of these roles within the workforce.

How does Kentucky's cook salary compare to the national average salary?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Kentucky is $32,340, which is less than the national average of $37,700.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,400 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 7.22 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky