Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Paducah, KY-IL
Cooks in the Paducah, KY-IL area earn an average annual salary of $31,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand or cost structures influence compensation for this role. The specific economic conditions and employer needs within Paducah shape the earning potential for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,410.
- Outlook: The Paducah, KY-IL market supports a local workforce of 520 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.09, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary talent in the region. This indicates a consistent need for cooks within the local restaurant scene.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Paducah, KY-IL earns-17.2%below the national average.
$15
$600
$2,600
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Paducah's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns over the past four years. Inflationary pressures and increased demand for skilled labor typically drive salary growth, even in localized markets. Therefore, cooks in Paducah have likely seen modest increases in their compensation, reflecting broader economic shifts.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Paducah, KY-IL
The salary spectrum for Cooks, Restaurant in Paducah, KY-IL typically ranges from entry-level positions to more experienced roles. While exact figures vary, entry-level cooks might start closer to the lower percentiles, whereas senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between these experience levels highlights clear career progression opportunities within the local culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,540 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,400 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,270 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,000 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,410 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,200 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income for cooks in Paducah, KY-IL translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services locally does not present a disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
10.258
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Paducah, KY-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.09 for Cooks, Restaurant in Paducah, KY-IL signifies that the area has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where employers actively seek culinary professionals, but it doesn't necessarily indicate an oversaturated or undersupplied labor pool. It points to a balanced demand that aligns closely with national employment patterns for this occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,220↑ 3% | 53 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,360↑ 1% | 80 mi |
| Evansville, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,430↑ 4% | 88 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,800↓ 1% | 96 mi |
| Jackson, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,360↑ 7% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near Paducah, KY-IL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Paducah, KY-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Paducah, KY-IL is $31,200. This typically ranges from $26,540 for entry-level positions to $36,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Paducah, KY-IL is 17.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Paducah, KY-IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,200 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, although the Cost of Living Index is at the national average of 100.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Paducah, KY-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($32,220) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Paducah's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Paducah, KY-IL is $31,200, which is below the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Paducah, KY-IL for cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for cooks in Paducah, KY-IL?
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Paducah is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand.
How many cooks are employed in Paducah, KY-IL?
There are approximately 520 Cooks, Restaurant professionals employed in the Paducah, KY-IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Paducah, KY-IL area with a job density of 10.258 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 Paducah, KY-IL