Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Ohio
Cooks in Ohio earn an average annual salary of $33,230, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the overall demand for culinary services within the state, and the prevailing wage scales specific to Ohio's labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,630.
- Outlook: Ohio boasts a substantial workforce of 49,880 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence in the state's hospitality sector. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles in Ohio is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Ohio earns-11.9%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,769
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Ohio have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Ohio
Salary progression for Cooks in Ohio typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,900 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,923 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,750 | $16.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,538 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,630 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,597
Adjusted for COL (90.8)
The average annual salary of $33,230 in Ohio presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Ohio is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
49,880
Total Jobs
9.027
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Ohio has 0.96x 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 0.96, the job market for Cooks in Ohio is closely aligned with the national average in terms of industry concentration. This indicates a balanced market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, suggesting a competitive yet accessible environment for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mansfield, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,010↓ 7% | 29 mi |
| Columbus, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,970↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Springfield, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,280↓ 3% | 63 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,250↑ 0% | 73 mi |
| Lima, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,850↓ 4% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ohio
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Ohio?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Ohio is $33,230. This typically ranges from $23,900 for entry-level positions to $42,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ohio is 11.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Ohio a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $33,230 is below the national average, Ohio's cost of living is also significantly lower, making the effective purchasing power of this salary quite competitive.
Is Ohio a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ohio?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mansfield, OH ($31,010) and Columbus, OH.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Ohio?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Ohio is approximately $33,230.
How does Ohio's cost of living compare to the national average?
Ohio's cost of living is below the national average, with an index of 90.8 compared to the national benchmark of 100.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Ohio?
With 9.027 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.96, the demand for Cooks in Ohio is stable and closely mirrors the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in Ohio?
There are approximately 49,880 Cooks employed in Ohio, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 49,880 employees in the Ohio area with a job density of 9.027 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 Ohio