Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Cooks in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area earn an average annual salary of $32,080. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand, cost of doing business, and the specific hospitality landscape, play a significant role in compensation levels for this profession within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,600.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie area supports a substantial workforce of 4,410 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, the market demonstrates a stable and perhaps marginally growing demand for culinary talent within the region's vibrant hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-14.9%below the national average.
$15.4
$617
$2,673
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant roles have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earnings, though the pace of increase can vary based on local economic conditions and the specific demand within New Orleans-Metairie's culinary scene.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in New Orleans-Metairie typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify robust career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,540 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,060 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,570 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,100 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,600 | $19.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,080 for Cooks, Restaurant in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned holds its purchasing power at the national benchmark, indicating that while the pay is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
4,410
Total Jobs
9.988
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, New Orleans-Metairie, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.06, the New Orleans-Metairie, LA market shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these professionals is robust and potentially more competitive or abundant compared to other regions, offering a good number of opportunities for those seeking employment in this culinary role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,680↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,540↓ 14% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,880↓ 4% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,100↓ 12% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,970↓ 0% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $32,080. This typically ranges from $22,540 for entry-level positions to $40,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 14.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $32,080 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($29,680) and Hammond, LA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $32,080.
How does the New Orleans-Metairie salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($32,080) is lower than the national average salary of $37,700.
Is the job market for Cooks concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in New Orleans-Metairie, LA compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA affect salary perception?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $32,080 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower than the national average wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,410 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 9.988 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA