Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Cooks in Lake Charles, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $29,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700 for the same role. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Lake Charles culinary scene likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 850 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Lake Charles indicates a demand that is slightly below the national concentration. While not exceptionally high, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lake Charles, LA earns-20.7%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,492
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and efforts to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Lake Charles, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential with skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,800 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,425 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,375 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,070 | $19.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,900 in Lake Charles 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 salary locally is comparable to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
8.481
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Cooks, Restaurant in Lake Charles indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is just slightly below the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where the number of available positions is relatively in line with the national distribution, neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,720↑ 6% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,960↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,910↓ 7% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lake Charles, LA is $29,900. This typically ranges from $21,800 for entry-level positions to $40,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 20.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $29,900 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the earning potential is constrained.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($31,720) and Lafayette, LA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Lake Charles, LA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Lake Charles, LA is $29,900.
How does the Lake Charles Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lake Charles ($29,900) is lower than the national average ($37,700).
What is the Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated is the Cook job market in Lake Charles?
The job market for Cooks in Lake Charles has a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 8.481 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 Lake Charles, LA