Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,280, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of labor, and the specific demands of the local hospitality market within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 890 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.55, the job market in South Central Kentucky indicates a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the absolute number of workers suggests a stable presence, the sub-average LQ points to potentially less robust demand or a more saturated market relative to other regions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-19.7%below the national average.
$14.6
$582
$2,523
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward movement, though potentially modest in a nonmetropolitan area, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and evolving industry standards.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding those who invest in skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,060 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,710 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,850 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,800 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,280 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
5.197
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.55x 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 0.55 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are less concentrated in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available positions relative to the general workforce, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↑ 9% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↑ 1% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 13% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,110↑ 9% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $30,280. This typically ranges from $21,060 for entry-level positions to $36,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 19.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $30,280 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses may be manageable, earning potential is constrained compared to other regions.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in South Central Kentucky compare nationally?
There are approximately 890 Cooks, Restaurant in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, with 5.197 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is lower than the national concentration.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
A Location Quotient of 0.55 means that Cooks, Restaurant are less prevalent in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting fewer job opportunities relative to the overall labor market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary of a Cook in South Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses match the national average. Therefore, the lower salary of $30,280 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What are the career growth prospects for Cooks, Restaurant in this region?
While specific regional data on growth is limited, general industry trends suggest that experience and skill development can lead to higher earnings, with senior roles commanding better compensation than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.197 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area