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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Nebraska

Cooks in Nebraska earn an average annual salary of $36,280, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the state's labor market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,100.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,050 Cooks, Restaurant, Nebraska presents a stable employment landscape for these professionals. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.53, suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,280

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Nebraska earns-3.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.4

Weekly

$698

Monthly

$3,023

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Nebraska

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Nebraska 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 leadership experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,070$13
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,210$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,800$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,350$21.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,100$21.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,956

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The average annual salary of $36,280 in Nebraska is considerably advantageous when viewed through the lens of its Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the nominal income earned by cooks in Nebraska likely offers a higher purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

5,050

Total Jobs

4.97

Per 1K Jobs

0.53

Location Quotient

Below Average

Nebraska has 0.53x 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 0.53 for Cooks, Restaurant in Nebraska indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Grand Island, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,310↓ 3%15 mi
Lincoln, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,050↑ 2%86 mi

Comparing salaries near Nebraska

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Nebraska?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Nebraska is $36,280. This typically ranges from $27,070 for entry-level positions to $44,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Nebraska is 3.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Nebraska a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,280 is below the national average, though the lower cost of living offers some compensation advantage.

Is Nebraska a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Nebraska?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($35,310) and Lincoln, NE.

How does Nebraska's cost of living affect cook salaries?

Nebraska's cost of living is 9.2% lower than the national average, meaning the $36,280 salary can provide a comparable or better standard of living than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Nebraska?

The Location Quotient of 0.53 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are less prevalent in Nebraska's workforce relative to the national average.

How many restaurant cooks are employed in Nebraska?

There are approximately 5,050 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the state of Nebraska.

What is the average salary for a restaurant cook nationally?

The national average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant is $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 5,050 employees in the Nebraska area with a job density of 4.97 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 Nebraska