SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Mobile, AL

Cooks in the restaurant industry in Mobile, AL, earn an average annual salary of $31,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this Gulf Coast city.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,970.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,450 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.91, Mobile's job market for this role is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. While not indicating an exceptionally high demand, the substantial workforce size suggests a stable and consistent need for culinary professionals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,440

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Mobile, AL earns-16.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.1

Weekly

$605

Monthly

$2,620

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Mobile, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Mobile, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, with top earners potentially exceeding the average by a considerable margin, reflecting the value of expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,040$10.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,580$11.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,770$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,300$18.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,970$18.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,440 in Mobile, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

1,450

Total Jobs

8.591

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Mobile, AL has 0.91x 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 0.91 indicates that Mobile, AL, has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately dominant within the local labor market, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,330↑ 3%14 mi
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,790↑ 11%57 mi
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,880↓ 2%59 mi
Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,150↓ 10%83 mi
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,800↑ 17%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Mobile, AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Mobile, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Mobile, AL is $31,440. This typically ranges from $22,040 for entry-level positions to $37,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Mobile, AL is 16.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Mobile, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,440 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.

Is Mobile, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Mobile, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($32,330) and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL.

How does Mobile, AL compare to the national average salary for Cooks?

Cooks in Mobile, AL, earn approximately $31,440 annually, which is less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Mobile, AL for Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Mobile, AL, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Cooks work in Mobile, AL?

There are approximately 1,450 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Mobile, AL area.

Is the job market for Cooks saturated in Mobile, AL?

With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,450 employees in the Mobile, AL area with a job density of 8.591 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 Mobile, AL