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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,680, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services in nonmetropolitan settings, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating within this area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,920.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 510 individuals. The location quotient of 0.67 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly saturated demand for culinary professionals in this region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,680

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earns-26.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$532

Monthly

$2,307

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience in various culinary techniques and kitchen management can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role highlight the substantial career advancement opportunities available for dedicated and skilled professionals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,410$9.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,760$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,100$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,600$16.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,920$17.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $27,680 in Lower West Mississippi aligns perfectly with the national 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 is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wage rates.

Job Market Context

510

Total Jobs

6.316

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has 0.67x 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 0.67, the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area exhibits a lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry sector in this region, potentially indicating less intense competition for available positions compared to more concentrated metropolitan areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

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

Comparing salaries near Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is $27,680. This typically ranges from $20,410 for entry-level positions to $35,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 26.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

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

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $27,680 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also average, the nominal pay does not indicate high earning potential.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Lower West 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 6.316 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower density of Cook positions compared to the national average, suggesting a less concentrated job market for this role.

What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?

There are approximately 510 Cooks employed within the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area, representing the total local workforce for this occupation.

Does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived value of the salary?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that the local cost of living is on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary directly translates to a lower effective purchasing power compared to national averages.

How does the Location Quotient impact job opportunities?

A Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests that Cooks are less concentrated in this region than nationally. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for those roles that are available.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.316 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.