Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Cooks in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL area earn an average annual salary of $36,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Florida hospitality market. While the nominal salary is a key indicator, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,940.
- Outlook: The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville region supports a substantial workforce of 3,050 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.33, this area shows a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially stable job market for culinary talent within this specific metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL earns-4.0%below the national average.
$17.4
$696
$3,018
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth is often driven by increasing food costs, a rising demand for dining experiences, and the need for businesses to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff in a competitive environment.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The difference between these salary brackets signifies the value placed on expertise, leadership, and a proven track record in demanding kitchen environments.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,760 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,158 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,810 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,263 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,940 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,210 in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a similar lifestyle standard as it would in a typical U.S. metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
3,050
Total Jobs
12.571
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.33 for Cooks, Restaurant in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the region has a proportionally larger employment base for cooks, suggesting a more active and potentially competitive job market for culinary professionals seeking opportunities in this Florida locale.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,020↓ 1% | 17 mi |
| Port St. Lucie, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,370↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Sebring, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,570↓ 7% | 59 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,970↑ 5% | 59 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,920↑ 21% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is $36,210. This typically ranges from $28,760 for entry-level positions to $43,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is 4.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the area has a higher concentration of cook jobs (LQ 1.33), the average salary of $36,210 is slightly below the national average of $37,700, with a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL ($36,020) and Port St. Lucie, FL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is $36,210, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the employment concentration for Cooks in this area?
The employment concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.33, indicating that there are proportionally more Cook jobs in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville is at the national average (100), meaning the $36,210 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 3,050 Cooks employed in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,050 employees in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL area with a job density of 12.571 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 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL