Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rhode Island
Cooks in Rhode Island are earning an average annual salary of $41,470, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the state's specific economic conditions and potentially a higher demand for skilled culinary professionals within its borders.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,010.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,490 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.4, Rhode Island demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing job market for culinary professionals in the state, indicating sustained demand for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island earns+10.0%above the national average.
$19.9
$798
$3,456
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for employers to attract and retain qualified staff in a competitive labor environment.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Rhode Island
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,560 | $14.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,103 | $15 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,940 | $18.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,838 | $24.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,010 | $23.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,027
Adjusted for COL (112)
The average annual salary of $41,470 in Rhode Island must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 112. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the 12% above-average cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even slightly below, what a similar salary would provide in a more affordable region.
Job Market Context
6,490
Total Jobs
13.143
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Rhode Island has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are 40% more concentrated in Rhode Island than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better compensation and benefits to attract skilled workers. For job seekers, this concentration implies a healthy number of opportunities, though competition may be present.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,550↑ 0% | 11 mi |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,630↓ 4% | 31 mi |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $45,620↑ 10% | 38 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,910↑ 3% | 43 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $45,720↑ 10% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rhode Island
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island is $41,470. This typically ranges from $30,560 for entry-level positions to $49,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rhode Island is 10.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Rhode Island a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with caveats.Rhode Island offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Restaurant than the national average, but this is offset by a higher cost of living, requiring careful financial planning.
Is Rhode Island a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Rhode Island is 112. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rhode Island?
Some top paying nearby cities include Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($41,550) and Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Restaurant in Rhode Island?
Based on the average annual salary of $41,470 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook, Restaurant in Rhode Island is around $19.94.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Rhode Island?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory roles can expect to earn substantially more, potentially reaching into the higher salary percentiles.
Are there many job openings for Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island?
With a Location Quotient of 1.4 and a substantial local workforce, the demand for Cooks, Restaurant in Rhode Island appears to be strong, suggesting a good number of available positions within the state.
How does the cost of living in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
Rhode Island's Cost of Living Index is 112, meaning it is 12% more expensive to live in Rhode Island compared to the national average. This factor is crucial when evaluating the real value of the average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,490 employees in the Rhode Island area with a job density of 13.143 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 Rhode Island