Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lafayette, LA
Cooks in Lafayette, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $27,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or a different economic structure influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Lafayette shapes the earning potential for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,380.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Lafayette presents a job market that closely mirrors the national concentration of this profession. While not significantly over or underrepresented, this indicates a stable, albeit not booming, demand for cooks. The presence of nearly 9 cooks per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need within the local hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette, LA earns-25.8%below the national average.
$13.4
$538
$2,330
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trend, though potentially modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and increasing operational costs for restaurants in the area.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding those who advance their skills and responsibilities within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,530 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,970 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,380 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,950 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,380 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,960 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Lafayette is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,540
Total Jobs
8.782
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette, LA, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither saturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. Restaurants in Lafayette are likely to find a steady pool of qualified candidates without facing intense competition for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,970↑ 14% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,990↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,310↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,920↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,900↑ 7% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette, LA is $27,960. This typically ranges from $20,530 for entry-level positions to $35,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 25.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Lafayette, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,960 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, despite a cost of living that matches the national index.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($31,970) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in Lafayette compare to the national average?
Lafayette has 1,540 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating the profession is slightly less concentrated locally than nationally.
What is the job outlook for cooks in Lafayette, LA?
The outlook appears stable, with approximately 8.782 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent demand within the local hospitality industry.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Lafayette?
Yes, like most culinary roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior cooks earning substantially more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in Lafayette?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the lower nominal salary of $27,960 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are comparable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 8.782 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 Lafayette, LA