Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Oregon
Cooks in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $40,350, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is influenced by Oregon's robust culinary scene and a slightly elevated cost of living, reflecting the demand for skilled kitchen professionals across the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,210.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 18,970 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.02, Oregon demonstrates a healthy and slightly above-average concentration of these roles compared to the national landscape. This indicates a stable job market with consistent demand for culinary talent across various establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Oregon earns+7.0%above the national average.
$19.4
$776
$3,363
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Oregon have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand, and evolving culinary standards.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Oregon
The salary trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant in Oregon typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks and chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,940 | $15.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,263 | $14.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,040 | $18.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,438 | $24.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,210 | $23.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,056
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average salary of $40,350 in Oregon is attractive, the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that this income will cover less than the national average. Prospective residents should consider that their purchasing power may be slightly diminished compared to living in a more cost-effective region, despite the higher nominal wage.
Job Market Context
18,970
Total Jobs
9.653
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Oregon has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Oregon's Location Quotient of 1.02 for Cooks, Restaurant suggests a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced environment where the number of jobs aligns closely with the national proportion of the workforce, implying moderate competition and steady opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,380↓ 7% | 51 mi |
| Bend, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,100↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Salem, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,330↓ 3% | 53 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,110↓ 8% | 59 mi |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,010↓ 6% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oregon
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Oregon?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Oregon is $40,350. This typically ranges from $31,940 for entry-level positions to $48,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oregon is 7.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Oregon a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with a caveat.Oregon offers a slightly higher average salary for Cooks, Restaurant than the national average. However, the elevated cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is Oregon a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Oregon is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oregon?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($37,380) and Bend, OR.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Oregon?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Oregon is approximately $40,350.
How does Oregon's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Oregon earn about $2,650 more annually than the national average salary of $37,700.
Is the job market for Cooks strong in Oregon?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 18,970 and a location quotient of 1.02, the market shows a healthy concentration and demand for cooks.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Oregon?
Oregon's cost of living is 15.1% higher than the national average, meaning the $40,350 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,970 employees in the Oregon area with a job density of 9.653 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 Oregon