Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN
Cooks in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN earn an average annual salary of $34,240, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the area's vibrant food scene.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,300.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 5,580 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the job market in Louisville/Jefferson County indicates a solid, though not exceptionally concentrated, presence of this occupation. The figure of 8.138 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand that aligns closely with national employment patterns.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN earns-9.2%below the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,853
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Louisville/Jefferson County 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. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation for skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and specialized cooks with extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,130 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,680 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,140 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,800 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,300 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,240 in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard quality of life relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
5,580
Total Jobs
8.138
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN has 0.86x 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 0.86 for Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↓ 11% | 39 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,280↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,380↓ 14% | 72 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,280↓ 12% | 72 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,240↓ 18% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is $34,240. This typically ranges from $27,130 for entry-level positions to $43,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 9.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,240 is below the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the salary does not stretch further than elsewhere.
Is Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Elizabethtown, KY ($30,470) and Columbus, IN.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is $34,240.
How does the Louisville/Jefferson County salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Louisville/Jefferson County ($34,240) is lower than the national average ($37,700).
What is the Cost of Living in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?
The Cost of Living Index in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated is the Cook job market in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?
The job market for Cooks, Restaurant is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.86.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,580 employees in the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area with a job density of 8.138 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN