Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI
Cooks in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI area earn an average annual salary of $36,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local hospitality sector. The cost of living in Oshkosh-Neenah is right at the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to the national median.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,450.
- Outlook: The Oshkosh-Neenah area supports a local workforce of 670 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 7.115 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary talent within the region's dining establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI earns-3.8%below the national average.
$17.4
$697
$3,021
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Oshkosh-Neenah Cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries in this sector have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for restaurant cooks, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and attract skilled labor.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI
As with most roles, experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential in Oshkosh-Neenah. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management capabilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The salary distribution reflects a clear career progression, where demonstrated skill, responsibility, and tenure lead to increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,040 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,188 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,860 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,313 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,450 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,250 in Oshkosh-Neenah aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
7.115
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI has 0.76x 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 0.76, the Oshkosh-Neenah market has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the area. The job market is likely competitive, with employers seeking qualified candidates, but not oversaturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,250↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,860↑ 2% | 20 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,840↑ 2% | 44 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,140↓ 0% | 46 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,850↓ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oshkosh-Neenah, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI is $36,250. This typically ranges from $27,040 for entry-level positions to $45,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI is 3.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Oshkosh-Neenah, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary for Cooks in Oshkosh-Neenah is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage.
Is Oshkosh-Neenah, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oshkosh-Neenah, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fond du Lac, WI ($35,250) and Appleton, WI.
How does the Oshkosh-Neenah salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI is $36,250, which is approximately 4% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI?
The Cost of Living Index for Oshkosh-Neenah, WI is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Cooks, Restaurant professionals work in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI?
There are approximately 670 Cooks, Restaurant professionals employed in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI area.
Is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs high in Oshkosh-Neenah, WI?
The Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Oshkosh-Neenah is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI area with a job density of 7.115 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 Oshkosh-Neenah, WI