Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Regional economic factors and a lower cost of labor in nonmetropolitan areas typically contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 410 individuals in this role, the restaurant cook sector in Northwest Alabama is moderately sized. The location quotient of 0.64 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-22.4%below the national average.
$14.1
$562
$2,437
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Northwest Alabama have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. This incremental increase is likely driven by inflation and the ongoing need for culinary professionals in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,940 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,930 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,550 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,240 in Northwest Alabama aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
6.047
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.64x 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 0.64 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant positions are less concentrated in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it may not be as dominant a sector compared to other regions, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↑ 7% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,610↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,690↑ 8% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,370↑ 4% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↑ 2% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $29,240. This typically ranges from $20,940 for entry-level positions to $38,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 22.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average salary.The average salary of $29,240 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower pay scale limits the earning potential in this region.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,330) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?
A local workforce of 410 suggests a moderate number of available positions. While not a massive market, it indicates consistent opportunities for skilled cooks within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.64 mean for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.64, signifies that the concentration of Cooks jobs is lower than the national average. This could mean fewer job openings relative to the overall employment landscape.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the Cooks' salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $29,240 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, making it a fair, though not high, compensation relative to expenses.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks in Northwest Alabama?
With 6.047 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Cooks positions is slightly below the national average, reinforcing the idea of a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.047 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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area