Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average annual salary of $32,980, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, local demand for culinary services, and the overall cost structure within the Lexington-Fayette metropolitan area. Understanding these local dynamics is key to assessing compensation for this vital role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,390 Cooks, Lexington-Fayette demonstrates a stable presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not oversaturated market. This level of employment suggests a consistent demand for restaurant cooks within the region, supporting a steady job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-12.5%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,748
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lexington-Fayette's cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for this role have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and a growing awareness of the importance of skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in the culinary sector.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Salary progression for Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience in various cuisines or kitchen management roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one climbs the professional ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,970 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,735 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,520 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,225 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,830 | $20.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,980 for Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Lexington is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the national benchmark. While the nominal wage is lower than the national average, the neutral cost of living suggests that the effective take-home value of the salary is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
2,390
Total Jobs
8.452
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY 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 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, indicates that the proportion of these jobs relative to the total workforce is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not as heavily concentrated as it is nationwide. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities exist but may require active searching, rather than an abundance of readily available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,380↓ 11% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,280↓ 8% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,240↓ 14% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,650↓ 13% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $32,980. This typically ranges from $23,970 for entry-level positions to $41,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 12.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,980 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. This means earning potential is somewhat limited relative to national benchmarks.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($29,380) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is $32,980.
How does the Lexington-Fayette salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) is lower than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY compared to the nation?
Cook jobs are slightly less concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY, with a Location Quotient of 0.9, compared to the national average of 1.0.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,390 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 8.452 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY