SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Medford, OR

Cooks in Medford, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $38,070. This figure is slightly above the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a role in compensation for this vital role. The slightly elevated pay reflects the specific economic conditions and labor needs within the Medford area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,480.
  • Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in Medford, OR, is stable, with a total local workforce of 810 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of cooks in Medford is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply for these roles. This steady presence points to consistent employment opportunities for skilled cooks within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,070

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Medford, OR earns+1.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.3

Weekly

$732

Monthly

$3,173

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Medford, OR

Salary progression for Cooks in Medford, OR, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, signify the career advancement opportunities and the increased earning potential that comes with developing advanced culinary skills and taking on greater responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,720$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,553$13.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,880$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,588$22.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,480$22.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,070 in Medford, OR, 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 Medford is comparable to the national standard. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary provides a stable financial footing relative to the typical expenses in the area.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

9.161

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Medford, OR has 0.97x 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 0.97, the job market for Cooks in Medford, OR, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and competitive market where the number of cooks aligns well with the demand for their services. While not an area of exceptionally high demand, it indicates a stable environment for those seeking employment in this culinary field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Grants Pass, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,720↑ 2%25 mi

Comparing salaries near Medford, OR

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Medford, OR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Medford, OR is $38,070. This typically ranges from $30,720 for entry-level positions to $47,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Medford, OR is 1.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Medford, OR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $38,070 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, earning potential for cooks in the region.

Is Medford, OR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Medford, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grants Pass, OR ($38,720) and others.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks in Medford, OR, is $38,070, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks in Medford, OR compared to the nation?

The concentration of Cooks in Medford, OR, is measured by a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating it is very close to the national average concentration.

Does the cost of living in Medford affect the value of a cook's salary?

No, the cost of living in Medford is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $38,070 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Cooks are employed in Medford, OR?

There are approximately 810 individuals employed as Cooks in the local workforce of Medford, OR.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Medford, OR area with a job density of 9.161 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 Medford, OR