Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Cooks in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $38,700, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This marginal difference can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's vibrant culinary scene. While not a significant deviation, it indicates a stable, albeit slightly above-average, compensation landscape for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,210.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha region supports a substantial workforce of 6,660 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a mature but not overly saturated market. The presence of over 8 cooks per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+2.7%above the national average.
$18.6
$744
$3,225
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha have seen gradual growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a steady demand for dining services likely contribute to incremental salary increases over time, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic landscape.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Salary progression for Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local culinary industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,670 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,025 | $14 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,540 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,375 | $23.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,210 | $23.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Milwaukee-Waukesha is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal average salary of $38,700 for Cooks holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard. Residents can expect their earnings to cover typical living expenses without significant strain or advantage compared to the average American.
Job Market Context
6,660
Total Jobs
8.127
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.86 for Cooks, Restaurant in Milwaukee-Waukesha indicates that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the field is not exceptionally crowded, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. It implies a stable job market where opportunities exist without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,530↓ 8% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,360↓ 3% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,140↓ 7% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,250↓ 9% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,770↓ 8% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $38,700. This typically ranges from $28,670 for entry-level positions to $48,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 2.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par.The average salary of $38,700 is marginally higher than the national average, and with a cost of living index of 100, your earnings will maintain standard purchasing power.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($35,530) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the average cook salary in Milwaukee compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $38,700, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI for cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is standard.
How concentrated is the job market for cooks in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.86, indicating it's slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
What is the total number of cooks employed in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
There are approximately 6,660 Cooks employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,660 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 8.127 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI