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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Montgomery, AL

Cooks in Montgomery, Alabama, earn an average annual salary of $31,330, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand within the region's culinary sector, and the overall cost of labor in Montgomery.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,200.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,360 Cooks, Restaurant, and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 8.343, the market in Montgomery presents a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the occupation is present, it's slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,330

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Montgomery, AL earns-16.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.1

Weekly

$603

Monthly

$2,611

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Montgomery, AL

Salary progression for Cooks in Montgomery, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs with specialized culinary skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these differences, with senior cooks occupying the higher salary brackets.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,230$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,498$11.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,790$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,163$18.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,200$17.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,330 in Montgomery 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 Montgomery is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a more affordable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

1,360

Total Jobs

8.343

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Montgomery, AL has 0.89x 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.

Montgomery's Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the market is not oversaturated, and job opportunities are likely stable. Employers may find a moderately competitive landscape when seeking skilled culinary staff.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,670↓ 5%44 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$28,670↓ 8%44 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,240↓ 7%44 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,680↓ 5%44 mi
Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,370↓ 3%49 mi

Comparing salaries near Montgomery, AL

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Montgomery, AL is $31,330. This typically ranges from $22,230 for entry-level positions to $37,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Montgomery, AL is 16.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

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

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,330 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Montgomery, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($29,670) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Montgomery, AL?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Montgomery, AL is $31,330.

How does Montgomery's cost of living compare to the national average?

Montgomery's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Montgomery?

The demand is steady, with 8.343 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a stable market rather than exceptionally high demand.

How does Montgomery's cook salary compare to the national average salary?

The average salary for cooks in Montgomery ($31,330) is lower than the national average ($37,700).

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Montgomery, AL area with a job density of 8.343 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 Montgomery, AL