Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Knoxville, TN
In Knoxville, TN, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $33,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting localized economic factors and the specific demand within the Knoxville culinary scene. While the pay may differ from national benchmarks, it is intrinsically tied to the economic landscape and operational costs prevalent in the East Tennessee region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,560.
- Outlook: Knoxville's restaurant cook job market is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 3,880 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of cooks in Knoxville is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these professionals within the city's hospitality sector. This equilibrium points to a robust, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for restaurant cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Knoxville, TN earns-10.2%below the national average.
$16.3
$651
$2,821
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville's restaurant cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for restaurants, and a growing appreciation for culinary skills likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even if the pace of growth varies.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Knoxville, TN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries illustrates the clear career trajectory and earning potential available through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,510 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,388 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,313 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,560 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,850 for Cooks, Restaurant in Knoxville, TN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Knoxville is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,880
Total Jobs
9.272
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.98x 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 0.98, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Knoxville, TN, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced job market where the number of available positions closely matches the number of qualified professionals. It suggests a competitive but stable environment, without an oversupply or significant undersupply of culinary talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,500↓ 4% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,050↓ 5% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,590↑ 5% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,180↓ 2% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,990↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Knoxville, TN is $33,850. This typically ranges from $22,510 for entry-level positions to $43,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 10.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,850 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while stable, Knoxville does not offer a substantial financial advantage for this role compared to other areas.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($32,500) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the number of cooks in Knoxville compare to the national average?
Knoxville has a concentration of cooks that is very close to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.98. This suggests a similar proportion of restaurant cooks relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the United States.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Knoxville, TN?
There are approximately 3,880 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in the Knoxville, TN area, contributing to the local culinary workforce.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Knoxville?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination for cooks in Knoxville. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while experienced chefs with specialized skills can command higher salaries, moving into the upper salary percentiles.
How does Knoxville's cost of living affect the $33,850 salary?
Knoxville's cost of living is at the national average (100). This means the $33,850 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a neutral impact on real wages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,880 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 9.272 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 Knoxville, TN