Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Cooks in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area earn an average annual salary of $29,680. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,510.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,140 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.2, the job market in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA earns-21.3%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, incremental increase is typical for established roles within the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career progression, rewarding expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,620 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,630 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,100 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,510 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,680 in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective take-home value of the salary neutral.
Job Market Context
1,140
Total Jobs
11.292
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.2 for Cooks, Restaurant in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington signifies a job market where these roles are 20% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a slightly more competitive environment for culinary talent, potentially offering more opportunities than in areas with a lower quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,080↑ 8% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,540↓ 7% | 43 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,880↑ 4% | 44 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,100↓ 5% | 74 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,150↓ 5% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is $29,680. This typically ranges from $20,620 for entry-level positions to $36,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 21.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the nominal salary of $29,680 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($32,080) and Hammond, LA.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities for Cooks?
A local workforce of 1,140 suggests a substantial number of existing positions, indicating a consistent need for Cooks in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington area, though not necessarily rapid growth.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.2 mean for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.2 means that Cooks are more concentrated in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington than the national average, implying a slightly higher demand or a more established culinary sector.
How does the Cost of Living in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for goods and services in this area are on par with the rest of the country.
Can a Cook expect their salary to increase with experience in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington?
Yes, as with most professions, experience is expected to lead to higher salaries for Cooks, moving them up the pay scale from entry-level to more senior or specialized roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,140 employees in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area with a job density of 11.292 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA