SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Cooks in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation for this role within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,620.
  • Outlook: The Memphis area supports a substantial workforce of 4,520 Cooks, Restaurant. While the Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, the sheer size of the local workforce suggests a consistent demand for culinary professionals within the region's diverse hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,700

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-10.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.2

Weekly

$648

Monthly

$2,808

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Memphis typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,190$11.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,275$12.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,560$16.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,125$20.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,620$21

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,700 for Cooks in Memphis aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned in Memphis has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither a particularly high nor low-paying market in real terms when considering everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

4,520

Total Jobs

7.283

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.77x 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 0.77, the Memphis market has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Jonesboro, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,370↓ 7%64 mi
Jackson, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,360↓ 1%74 mi

Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $33,700. This typically ranges from $23,190 for entry-level positions to $43,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 10.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,700 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the compensation for this role is lower than the national benchmark.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($31,370) and Jackson, TN.

How does the Memphis salary for Cooks compare to the national average?

Cooks in Memphis earn an average of $33,700 annually, which is $4,000 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

The Cost of Living Index in Memphis is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there in Memphis?

There are approximately 4,520 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan area.

Is the job market for Cooks concentrated in Memphis?

The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Memphis is slightly lower than 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 4,520 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 7.283 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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR