SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Salem, OR

Cooks in Salem, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $39,330, which is slightly above the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Salem metropolitan area, influencing compensation for culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,410.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,330 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.76, Salem, OR, presents a moderately concentrated job market for these professionals. While not exceeding the national average in concentration, the presence of over a thousand workers indicates a stable demand and a consistent need for culinary talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,330

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Salem, OR earns+4.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$756

Monthly

$3,278

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Salem, OR, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized expertise and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting significant career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,720$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,498$14.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,560$18.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,163$23.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,410$22.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,330 in Salem, OR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,330

Total Jobs

7.144

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Salem, OR has 0.76x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Salem, OR, is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,380↓ 5%21 mi
Corvallis, OR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,110↓ 6%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,870↑ 6%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,550↓ 2%53 mi
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,210↓ 5%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Salem, OR is $39,330. This typically ranges from $30,720 for entry-level positions to $47,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 4.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Salem, OR offers a competitive salary for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $39,330 is slightly higher than the national average, and with a cost of living index of 100, your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national average.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($37,380) and Corvallis, OR.

How does the number of cooks in Salem compare nationally?

Salem has 7.144 Cooks, Restaurant per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to the overall workforce.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Salem, OR?

There are approximately 1,330 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Salem, OR.

Does experience impact a cook's salary in Salem?

Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with extensive culinary backgrounds and specialized skills typically earn more than entry-level positions.

How does Salem's cost of living affect a cook's salary?

Salem's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $39,330 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,330 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 7.144 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 Salem, OR