Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Monroe, LA
Cooks in Monroe, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $27,240. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Monroe culinary scene likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,530.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 610 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.74, the job market in Monroe indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of nearly 7 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Monroe, LA earns-27.7%below the national average.
$13.1
$524
$2,270
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Monroe is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a gradual upward movement in compensation, though the pace may vary based on local market dynamics and restaurant industry performance.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Monroe, LA
Salary progression for Cooks in Monroe, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,230 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,430 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,640 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,050 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,530 | $16.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,240 in Monroe, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Monroe is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
6.987
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Monroe, LA has 0.74x 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 0.74 for Cooks, Restaurant in Monroe, LA, signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market than it is nationally. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,910↑ 2% | 88 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,990↓ 5% | 94 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,310↑ 0% | 94 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $25,920↓ 5% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Monroe, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Monroe, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Monroe, LA is $27,240. This typically ranges from $20,230 for entry-level positions to $34,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Monroe, LA is 27.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Monroe, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Monroe, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average salary of $27,240 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale limits earning potential.
Is Monroe, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Monroe, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Monroe, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($27,910) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Cooks in Monroe compare to the national average?
Monroe has a total local workforce of 610 Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Monroe compared to the national average.
What is the job availability like for Cooks in Monroe, LA?
There are approximately 6.987 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks in Monroe, LA, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand for these roles.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Monroe?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior cooks with advanced skills and a proven track record typically earn substantially more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in Monroe?
The Cost of Living Index in Monroe is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $27,240 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Monroe, LA area with a job density of 6.987 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Monroe, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Monroe, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Monroe, LA