Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Cooks in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area earn an average annual salary of $33,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a significant role in determining the pay scale for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,940.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,350 Cooks, Restaurant, the South Bend-Mishawaka area demonstrates a notable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates a concentration of these jobs slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable demand for culinary professionals within the region's hospitality industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI earns-10.6%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,810
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living increases and the demand for skilled kitchen staff remains consistent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary backgrounds and supervisory skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,380 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,290 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,160 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,150 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,940 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,720 in South Bend-Mishawaka aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, indicating that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
1,350
Total Jobs
10.326
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.1 for Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a competitive environment where employers actively seek culinary talent, making it a potentially favorable market for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Niles, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,510↑ 5% | 11 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,700↓ 0% | 16 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 2% | 31 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,340↑ 5% | 54 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,970↑ 13% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is $33,720. This typically ranges from $27,380 for entry-level positions to $43,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 10.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.While the salary is on par with the national average cost of living, the average annual pay of $33,720 is below the national average for the role. The slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.1) suggests demand, but not necessarily premium compensation.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Niles, MI ($35,510) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the South Bend-Mishawaka salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka is $33,720, which is approximately $4,000 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in South Bend-Mishawaka?
The Location Quotient (LQ) is 1.1, indicating that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in South Bend-Mishawaka is slightly higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in South Bend-Mishawaka?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $33,720 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it neither stretches nor significantly exceeds typical living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in South Bend-Mishawaka?
There are approximately 1,350 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the South Bend-Mishawaka area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,350 employees in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area with a job density of 10.326 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 South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI