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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,620. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale that is likely influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals in this nonmetropolitan setting.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,620 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,240.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 710 individuals in this role, the culinary job market in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is moderately sized. The location quotient of 0.62 suggests that the concentration of cooks here is below the national average, implying that while there is a presence of these professionals, the industry may not be as robust or as densely populated with cooks as in other regions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,620

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earns-26.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$531

Monthly

$2,302

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,080$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,715$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,540$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,525$16.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,240$17.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,620

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,620

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,620 in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that everyday expenses are comparable.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

5.809

Per 1K Jobs

0.62

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has 0.62x 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.

The location quotient of 0.62 for Cooks, Restaurant in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less competitive market for employers seeking cooks, but also potentially fewer specialized opportunities for highly experienced individuals compared to more densely populated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Jackson, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,620 7%43 mi

Comparing salaries near Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is $27,620. This typically ranges from $20,080 for entry-level positions to $36,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 26.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $27,620 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.

Is Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($29,620) and others.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 5.809 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower density of cook positions compared to the national average, which would typically be higher.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?

An LQ of 0.62 means that the proportion of cooks in the local workforce is 38% lower than the national average. This suggests fewer job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size compared to national trends.

Does the cost of living affect the salary?

Yes, the cost of living index of 100 indicates that local expenses are average. Therefore, the lower-than-average salary means that the disposable income for cooks in this area is likely less than the national average.

What does the total local workforce size imply?

A workforce of 710 cooks suggests a stable, albeit not massive, demand for these professionals within the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area's hospitality sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.809 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.