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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Louisiana

Cooks in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $30,280, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of regional economic factors, the overall demand for culinary services within the state, and the prevailing wage structures specific to Louisiana's labor market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,230.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 15,130 individuals in this role, Louisiana demonstrates a substantial presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.84 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of professionals indicates a consistent demand and a mature job market for these positions across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,280

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Louisiana earns-19.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.6

Weekly

$582

Monthly

$2,523

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Louisiana

The career path for a Cook, Restaurant in Louisiana typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,090$10.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,710$10.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,880$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,850$18.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,230$18.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,913

Adjusted for COL (92)

The average annual salary of $30,280 in Louisiana needs to be viewed in context with its Cost of Living Index of 92. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of that income may be somewhat preserved due to lower everyday expenses, making the effective financial standing potentially more favorable than a direct salary comparison might indicate.

Job Market Context

15,130

Total Jobs

7.917

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Louisiana has 0.84x 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 0.84 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Louisiana is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike, with moderate competition for available roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Alexandria, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$27,910↓ 8%37 mi
Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,970↑ 6%67 mi
Lafayette, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$27,960↓ 8%67 mi
Monroe, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$27,240↓ 10%94 mi
Hammond, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$27,540↓ 9%95 mi

Comparing salaries near Louisiana

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Louisiana is $30,280. This typically ranges from $21,090 for entry-level positions to $38,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 19.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, Louisiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average salary.The average annual salary of $30,280 is significantly below the national average, indicating lower earning potential in this role within the state.

Is Louisiana a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($27,910) and Baton Rouge, LA.

How does Louisiana's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Louisiana is $30,280, which is approximately 21% lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Louisiana?

There are approximately 15,130 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Louisiana.

How does the cost of living in Louisiana affect a cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (compared to the national average of 100), the lower salary in Louisiana is partially offset by lower everyday expenses, meaning the purchasing power of $30,280 may be higher than it appears.

Is the job market for cooks in Louisiana highly concentrated?

The location quotient of 0.84 suggests that the concentration of restaurant cooks in Louisiana is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately competitive job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,130 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 7.917 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Louisiana