Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Savannah, GA
Cooks in Savannah, GA, earn an average annual salary of $33,900, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for culinary services and the overall wage structure within the Savannah metropolitan area. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for culinary professionals considering employment in this historic Georgia city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,000.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 2,720 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.48, Savannah exhibits a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the city, indicating a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Savannah, GA earns-10.1%below the national average.
$16.3
$652
$2,825
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Savannah's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental salary increases for skilled positions like restaurant cooks.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Savannah, GA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Savannah, GA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,650 | $11.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,425 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,450 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,375 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,000 | $20.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,900 in Savannah, GA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Savannah is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for culinary professionals.
Job Market Context
2,720
Total Jobs
13.958
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Savannah, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Savannah's Location Quotient of 1.48 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant is 48% higher than the national average. This indicates a more competitive job market with a greater abundance of available positions relative to the general workforce, potentially offering more opportunities but also suggesting a need for skilled and experienced individuals to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,580↑ 8% | 28 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,220↓ 5% | 63 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,340↑ 7% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Savannah, GA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Savannah, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Savannah, GA is $33,900. This typically ranges from $24,650 for entry-level positions to $43,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Savannah, GA is 10.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Savannah, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Savannah is below the national average, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.
Is Savannah, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Savannah, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Savannah, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($36,580) and Brunswick-St. Simons, GA.
How does the number of cooks in Savannah compare nationally?
Savannah has 13.958 Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the cost of living in Savannah, GA for cooks?
The cost of living in Savannah, GA is at the national average (Index 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Savannah?
There are approximately 2,720 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Savannah, GA.
How does Savannah's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Savannah, GA is $33,900, which is $3,800 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 2,720 employees in the Savannah, GA area with a job density of 13.958 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 Savannah, GA