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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Madison, WI

Cooks in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $38,900, slightly exceeding the national average of $37,700. This modest premium is influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within Madison's vibrant culinary scene. While not a dramatic difference, it reflects the city's unique labor market dynamics for this essential role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,880.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,290 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.86, Madison presents a stable, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration of these professionals. The presence of over three thousand individuals in this role suggests a consistent demand for culinary talent, indicating a robust job market for cooks within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,900

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Madison, WI earns+3.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$748

Monthly

$3,242

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Madison, WI, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,450$13.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,175$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,400$18.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,625$23.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,880$23

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,900 in Madison, WI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Madison is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced across the United States.

Job Market Context

3,290

Total Jobs

8.112

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Madison, WI 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 indicates that Madison, WI, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to 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.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,770↓ 8%33 mi
Rockford, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,520↓ 9%59 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,250↓ 9%68 mi
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,700↓ 1%72 mi
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,250↓ 7%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Madison, WI

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Madison, WI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Madison, WI is $38,900. This typically ranges from $28,450 for entry-level positions to $47,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 3.2% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, moderately so.Cooks in Madison earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing good purchasing power.

Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($35,770) and Rockford, IL.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Madison, WI?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Madison, WI is approximately $38,900.

How does Madison's cost of living compare to the national average?

Madison, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Madison, WI?

There are approximately 3,290 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Madison, WI.

Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Madison, WI?

The market is stable with a notable workforce size, though the concentration is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,290 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 8.112 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 Madison, WI