Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
Cooks in the restaurant industry within Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, earn an average annual salary of $34,710. This figure falls slightly below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and a potentially saturated market contribute to this pay differential, influencing compensation for culinary professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,370 Cooks, Restaurant, the Panama City-Panama City Beach area demonstrates a notable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.65 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a significant number of employment opportunities for cooks in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL earns-7.9%below the national average.
$16.7
$668
$2,893
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Panama City is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving culinary trends likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for cooks, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
The salary trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression, rewarding dedication and expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,910 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,033 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,910 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,388 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,680 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,710 in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the financial aspect of living in this area neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,370
Total Jobs
15.535
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.65 signifies that Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, has approximately 65% more Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita than the national average. This indicates a relatively abundant job market for culinary professionals in this area, suggesting that while demand is high, there may also be a larger pool of candidates, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,800↑ 6% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,560↓ 12% | 72 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,340↓ 4% | 82 mi |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,790↑ 0% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is $34,710. This typically ranges from $27,910 for entry-level positions to $42,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is 7.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary is below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating average earning potential.
Is Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL ($36,800) and Dothan, AL.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Panama City?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting increased value and expertise in the role.
What is the job outlook for cooks in Panama City?
The job outlook appears strong, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.65, suggesting a higher concentration of cook positions relative to the national average, indicating good demand.
Is the cost of living high in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL?
No, the cost of living in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How does the local cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for cooks in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, is $34,710, which is approximately $3,000 less than the national average of $37,700.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL area with a job density of 15.535 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 Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL