Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Montana
Cooks in Montana earn an average annual salary of $38,230, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This marginal increase is often influenced by the unique economic landscape and demand within the state, reflecting a localized premium for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,780.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,170 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.7, Montana demonstrates a robust demand for Cooks, Restaurant. This concentration indicates that the state employs a significantly higher proportion of these professionals relative to the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market for culinary talent.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Montana earns+1.4%above the national average.
$18.4
$735
$3,186
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Cooks in Montana has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the food service industry. This upward trajectory is likely driven by factors such as inflation, rising food costs, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Montana
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Montana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,540 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,673 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,830 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,788 | $23 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,780 | $24.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,762
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
The average annual salary of $38,230 in Montana needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 106.9. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living is also approximately 7% above the national average, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is relatively in line with, or slightly below, what one might expect nationally.
Job Market Context
8,170
Total Jobs
16.018
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Montana has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Montana's Location Quotient of 1.7 for Cooks, Restaurant signifies a strong concentration of these roles within the state compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that the job market is more competitive or, conversely, that there is a higher demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,500↓ 5% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,010↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,600↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Montana is $38,230. This typically ranges from $26,540 for entry-level positions to $50,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 1.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.Montana offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for Cooks, Restaurant. However, the cost of living is also above the national average, which tempers the overall financial advantage.
Is Montana a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,500) and Helena, MT.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Montana?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Montana is $38,230.
How does Montana's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Montana earn approximately $530 more annually than the national average salary of $37,700.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Montana?
Yes, Montana has a Location Quotient of 1.7, indicating a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong demand.
How does the cost of living in Montana affect salary?
Montana's Cost of Living Index is 106.9, meaning it is 6.9% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living offsets some of the nominal salary advantage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,170 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 16.018 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 Montana