Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Carolina
Cooks in South Carolina can expect an average annual salary of $34,690, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of living, and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,210.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 26,230 individuals in this role, South Carolina demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 1.23 indicates that this profession is more concentrated in South Carolina than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential culinary workers.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina earns-8.0%below the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,891
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,420 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,018 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,700 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,363 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,210 | $21.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,173
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $34,690 in South Carolina presents a moderate purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9. This index is slightly below the national average (100), suggesting that the nominal salary may stretch a bit further in South Carolina compared to more expensive regions, potentially offering a reasonable standard of living.
Job Market Context
26,230
Total Jobs
11.544
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, South Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.23 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are more prevalent in South Carolina than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, but it also points to a strong industry presence and consistent demand for these roles within the state's economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,460↓ 1% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,120↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,580↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,380↓ 10% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,340↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina is $34,690. This typically ranges from $25,420 for entry-level positions to $44,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 8.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina is below the national average, although the cost of living is also slightly lower.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,460) and Sumter, SC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the salary?
With 11.544 jobs per 1,000 workers, South Carolina shows a healthy demand for cooks, which can positively influence salary negotiations, even if the average is currently below the national benchmark.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for cooks in South Carolina?
An LQ of 1.23 indicates that the concentration of restaurant cooks in South Carolina is 23% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong industry presence and potentially more job opportunities.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina compare to the national average?
South Carolina's Cost of Living Index is 95.9, which is slightly lower than the national average of 100, meaning that the $34,690 salary may offer a comparable or slightly better purchasing power than in higher-cost states.
What is the total workforce size for Cooks, Restaurant in South Carolina?
South Carolina employs approximately 26,230 individuals as Cooks, Restaurant, highlighting a significant segment of the state's food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,230 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 11.544 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 Carolina