Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Cooks in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, earn an average annual salary of $32,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation for this role in the region. Factors specific to Lafayette-West Lafayette likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,250.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 910 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market in Lafayette-West Lafayette shows a demand that is closely aligned with the national average. While not significantly overrepresented, the presence of nearly 9 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent need for culinary professionals in the area's dining establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-14.0%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,702
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-West Lafayette have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a slowly improving earning potential for individuals in this profession within the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,250 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,315 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,320 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,525 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,250 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,420 in Lafayette-West Lafayette aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
910
Total Jobs
8.932
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately dominant within the local job market compared to other occupations nationwide. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,310↑ 3% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 11% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,280↑ 9% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $32,420. This typically ranges from $26,250 for entry-level positions to $38,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 14.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,420 is below the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($33,310) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local cooks compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the proportion of Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a comparable, but not dominant, presence of this profession.
What is the employment density for Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
There are approximately 8.932 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Lafayette-West Lafayette, indicating a steady demand for these services within the local economy.
How does the total local workforce size affect salary?
The total local workforce of 910 Cooks, Restaurant is a moderate size, suggesting a stable job market. This size, combined with the Location Quotient, implies that salaries are influenced more by regional economic factors than by extreme workforce scarcity or surplus.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for a cook's salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the general expenses for goods and services in Lafayette-West Lafayette are the same as the national average. Therefore, the $32,420 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, despite being a lower nominal figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 8.932 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-West Lafayette, IN