Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Muncie, IN
In Muncie, Indiana, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,970, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the cost of doing business and the overall demand for specific culinary roles within the region's hospitality sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,560.
- Outlook: Muncie, IN supports a local workforce of 490 Cooks, Restaurant. The location quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Muncie, IN earns-15.2%below the national average.
$15.4
$615
$2,664
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Muncie, IN have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Muncie, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Muncie typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,410 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,978 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,520 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,963 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,560 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,970 in Muncie, IN aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the rest of the country, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
11
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Muncie, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.17, Muncie, IN exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may have a slightly larger pool of local talent to draw from, but demand remains consistent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,310↑ 4% | 43 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,280↑ 10% | 49 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↓ 1% | 52 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↓ 1% | 52 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 10% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Muncie, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Muncie, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Muncie, IN is $31,970. This typically ranges from $24,410 for entry-level positions to $36,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Muncie, IN is 15.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Muncie, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Muncie, IN is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant based on average earnings.The average salary of $31,970 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Muncie, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Muncie, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Muncie, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($33,310) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
How does Muncie's cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Muncie, IN earn approximately $5,730 less per year on average compared to the national average salary for the same role.
What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Muncie?
Muncie has a location quotient of 1.17 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Muncie affect salary perception?
With a cost of living index of 100, Muncie's cost of living is average. This means the lower nominal salary of $31,970 has average purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Muncie?
There are approximately 490 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Muncie, IN workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Muncie, IN area with a job density of 11 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 Muncie, IN