SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rochester, MN

Cooks in Rochester, MN, earn an average annual salary of $38,850, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This marginal difference is often influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Rochester metropolitan area, which supports a dedicated local workforce of 1,130 culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,030.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, MN, appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,130 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.99 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Rochester is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,850

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, MN earns+3.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$747

Monthly

$3,238

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Rochester, MN

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, MN, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated professionals within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,590$14.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,138$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,920$18.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,563$23.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,030$22.1

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $38,850 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for cooks in Rochester, MN, translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national median. This means that the $38,850 earned locally will likely cover expenses at a rate consistent with what a cook earning the national average would experience elsewhere.

Job Market Context

1,130

Total Jobs

9.277

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rochester, MN has 0.99x 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.

Rochester, MN, presents a job market for Cooks, Restaurant where the concentration of employment is nearly identical to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.99. This suggests a balanced market; while not oversaturated, there isn't an exceptionally high demand that would drastically drive up wages compared to other regions. The job market is competitive but stable.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,510↓ 6%64 mi
Eau Claire, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,390↓ 9%74 mi
Mankato, MN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,920↓ 5%75 mi
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,830↑ 8%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Rochester, MN

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Rochester, MN?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Rochester, MN is $38,850. This typically ranges from $30,590 for entry-level positions to $46,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, MN is 3.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Rochester, MN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $38,850 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering stable purchasing power.

Is Rochester, MN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, MN?

Some top paying nearby cities include La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($36,510) and Eau Claire, WI.

How does the Rochester cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Rochester, MN, earn an average of $38,850 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN for cooks?

The cost of living in Rochester, MN, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $38,850 will have purchasing power equivalent to the national median.

How many restaurant cooks are employed in Rochester, MN?

There are approximately 1,130 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Rochester, MN, representing 9.277 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Is the job market for cooks in Rochester, MN growing?

While specific growth data isn't provided, the stable Location Quotient of 0.99 suggests a consistent demand for cooks, indicating a steady job market rather than rapid expansion.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Rochester, MN area with a job density of 9.277 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rochester, MN