Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lincoln, NE
In Lincoln, NE, Cooks, Restaurant professionals earn an average annual salary of $37,050. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,460.
- Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in Lincoln, NE, supports a local workforce of 920 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector compared to other areas. The rate of 5.091 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the demand within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE earns-1.7%below the national average.
$17.8
$713
$3,088
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lincoln, NE, is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and rising operational costs for restaurants likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even if the growth is incremental.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE, typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience in diverse culinary environments can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and leadership within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,840 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,788 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,060 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,313 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,460 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE, stands at $37,050. This aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary in Lincoln is comparable to the national average, meaning that while the salary is not exceptionally high, it is well-balanced with the cost of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
5.091
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 0.54x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the field may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a slightly more favorable environment for job seekers looking for openings. However, it also indicates that the demand, relative to the national scale, is somewhat subdued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,510↑ 1% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,500↓ 12% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,600↓ 9% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,000↓ 14% | 86 mi |
| Grand Island, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,310↓ 5% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE is $37,050. This typically ranges from $28,840 for entry-level positions to $44,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 1.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Lincoln, NE is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average salary.The average salary of $37,050 is slightly below the national average, and the profession's concentration is also below the national benchmark.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($37,510) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary for Cooks in Lincoln compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Lincoln, NE is $37,050, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Lincoln, NE for restaurant workers?
Lincoln, NE has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of living is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Lincoln, NE?
There are approximately 920 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Lincoln, NE, representing about 5.091 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Lincoln, NE?
The job market is moderately present, with a concentration (Location Quotient) below the national average, indicating it's not a primary hub for this profession but still offers employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 5.091 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 Lincoln, NE