Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kokomo, IN
Cooks in Kokomo, Indiana, earn an average annual salary of $33,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Kokomo's culinary scene likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,390.
- Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in Kokomo, IN, shows a healthy concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a presence slightly above the national average. With a local workforce of 410 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable and consistent within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kokomo, IN earns-11.6%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,776
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Kokomo, like most positions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a generally positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trend in compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kokomo, IN
Salary progression for Cooks in Kokomo typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,910 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,983 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,190 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,638 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,390 | $18.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,310 in Kokomo, IN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Kokomo is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
11.438
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Kokomo, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, Kokomo, IN, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers may find a sufficient pool of talent, but skilled individuals can still find opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,420↓ 3% | 39 mi |
| Muncie, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,970↓ 4% | 43 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 13% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kokomo, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kokomo, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kokomo, IN is $33,310. This typically ranges from $23,910 for entry-level positions to $39,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kokomo, IN is 11.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Kokomo, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,310 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while your money may go as far, the overall earning potential is lower.
Is Kokomo, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Kokomo, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kokomo, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN ($32,420) and Muncie, IN.
How does the Kokomo cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Kokomo, IN, is $33,310, which is approximately $4,390 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Kokomo, IN for cooks?
Kokomo, IN has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a Kokomo salary is equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated is the restaurant cook job market in Kokomo?
The job market for restaurant cooks in Kokomo is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a higher proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Kokomo?
There are approximately 410 individuals employed as Cooks in Kokomo, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Kokomo, IN area with a job density of 11.438 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 Kokomo, IN