Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,410. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,640.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 720 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.69, the job market for cooks in South Central Tennessee appears to be less concentrated than the national average. While the absolute number of workers indicates a presence, the lower concentration suggests that demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other occupations in the area, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-19.3%below the national average.
$14.6
$585
$2,534
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for cooks have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This incremental increase would likely reflect adjustments to minimum wage laws, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a general effort to retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for cooks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify distinct levels of expertise and responsibility, offering a clear path for career advancement within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,260 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,808 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,013 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,640 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,410 in South Central Tennessee 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 salary locally is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is offset by the stable cost of living, making the take-home pay's value relatively consistent with national standards.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
6.455
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.69x 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 0.69 indicates that cooks are less concentrated in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not a dominant industry sector within this region. The job market is likely less competitive in terms of sheer numbers of applicants per opening, but also potentially offers fewer specialized or high-paying opportunities compared to more concentrated metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,160↑ 25% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,360↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,380↑ 10% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,760↑ 4% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,760↓ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $30,410. This typically ranges from $20,260 for entry-level positions to $37,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 19.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $30,410 is significantly below the national average, and the lower concentration (LQ of 0.69) suggests less robust demand relative to other regions.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($38,160) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the cook salary in South Central TN compare to the national average?
The average salary for cooks in South Central Tennessee is $30,410, which is considerably lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in South Central Tennessee?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many cooks are employed in South Central Tennessee?
There are approximately 720 cooks employed in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, representing 6.455 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for cooks in South Central TN highly concentrated?
No, the job market for cooks in South Central Tennessee is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.69, indicating fewer cooks relative to the overall workforce compared to the nation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.455 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area