Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,000. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles in more rural regions. The specific economic drivers and industry concentration within this area significantly influence compensation levels for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,160.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Nebraska appears stable, with a local workforce of 200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers (5.222) is modest, it signifies a consistent presence of these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-15.1%below the national average.
$15.4
$615
$2,667
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northwest Nebraska is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contributed to incremental increases in compensation, even in nonmetropolitan areas, as businesses strive to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from a junior role to a more experienced or supervisory capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,000 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,000 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,160 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,000 in Northwest Nebraska aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses do not exceed those found elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
5.222
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area has 0.55x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Nebraska is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the field is not as saturated as in metropolitan areas, potentially offering a more direct path to employment for qualified individuals, but also indicating a potentially smaller overall job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,310↑ 10% | 15 mi |
| Lincoln, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,050↑ 16% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $32,000. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $44,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 15.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area for Cooks, Restaurant.The average salary of $32,000 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation does not reflect a high-earning potential.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($35,310) and Lincoln, NE.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Nebraska is $32,000, which is $5,700 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Northwest Nebraska compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Nebraska is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in this region?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.55, indicating fewer jobs relative to the national proportion.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in Northwest Nebraska?
There are approximately 200 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.222 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area