Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,670, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this particular nonmetropolitan labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,130 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.79, the job market in Northeast Alabama indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of 7.44 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit less concentrated, employment landscape for culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-21.3%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving culinary trends likely contribute to incremental salary increases, though regional economic conditions can moderate the pace of this growth.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles represents the career progression and increased value brought by expertise and a proven track record in the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,080 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,253 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,040 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,088 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,670 for Cooks in Northeast Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
7.44
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.79x 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 0.79 suggests that Cooks, Restaurant are slightly less concentrated in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area compared to the rest of the United States. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector, and the job market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↑ 6% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,610↑ 10% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,690↑ 7% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,370↑ 2% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $29,670. This typically ranges from $21,080 for entry-level positions to $35,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 21.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $29,670 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,330) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Northeast Alabama earn approximately $8,000 less annually than the national average for the same role.
What is the Cost of Living in Northeast Alabama?
The Cost of Living Index for Northeast Alabama is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,130 Cooks employed in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Northeast Alabama?
The demand is moderate, with 7.44 jobs per 1,000 workers, and a Location Quotient of 0.79 suggesting a slightly lower concentration than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.44 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area