Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,100. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from larger urban centers. These localized pay scales reflect the unique economic dynamics of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,710.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 570 Cooks, Restaurant, this segment represents a notable portion of the regional employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a potentially robust job market for culinary professionals in this nonmetropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-6.9%below the national average.
$16.9
$675
$2,925
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 Wisconsin have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff, leading to incremental salary adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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. The variance in pay across different experience levels highlights clear career progression pathways within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,470 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,325 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,820 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,875 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,710 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,100 in Northwestern Wisconsin aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are slightly lower, the cost of essential goods and services remains on par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
11.828
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.26 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are more concentrated in Northwestern Wisconsin than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, as there are more jobs available relative to the national distribution. For job seekers, this concentration may indicate more opportunities but also a need to stand out among a potentially larger pool of local candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,480↑ 4% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,250↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,860↑ 5% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,250↑ 0% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,840↑ 5% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $35,100. This typically ranges from $27,470 for entry-level positions to $44,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 6.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,100 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating the impact of lower pay.
Is Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($36,480) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities for Cooks?
A local workforce of 570 suggests a stable, established presence of restaurant cooks, indicating consistent demand and a reasonable number of available positions within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.26 mean for a Cook?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 means that Cooks are more prevalent in Northwestern Wisconsin than the national average, suggesting a potentially higher concentration of job openings relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $35,100 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for housing, food, and transportation are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than elsewhere in the US.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Cooks in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, the presence of a notable workforce and a concentration of roles suggests that experienced cooks can likely advance to higher-paying positions, potentially leading senior or specialized culinary roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 11.828 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 Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area