Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 780 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern South Carolina appears stable but not exceptionally concentrated compared to national averages. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (8.331) suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-15.1%below the national average.
$15.4
$616
$2,668
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in nonmetropolitan areas like Northwestern South Carolina have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This gradual increase is often driven by rising operational costs for establishments and a sustained need for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can achieve higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary distribution for this role indicate clear opportunities for career progression and increased earnings with advancing expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,400 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,008 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,960 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,013 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,600 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,010 in Northwestern South Carolina 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 income is equivalent to the national standard, making the financial aspect of living in this area comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
8.331
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.88x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Northwestern South Carolina is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the local job market compared to national trends, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,460↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,120↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,580↑ 2% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,380↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,340↑ 14% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $32,010. This typically ranges from $21,400 for entry-level positions to $41,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 15.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $32,010 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower pay rate limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,460) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern South Carolina is $32,010, which is approximately $5,690 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.88, indicating that the proportion of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Northwestern South Carolina is slightly lower than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Northwestern South Carolina?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $32,010 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this region?
There are approximately 780 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in the Northwestern South Carolina 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 780 employees in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.331 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 Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area