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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Dakota

Cooks in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $35,150, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference in compensation can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the state's hospitality sector. Local market dynamics play a significant role in shaping these salary figures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,880 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.44, the job market in South Dakota 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 specialized demand or a more saturated entry-level market, implying moderate job market robustness for this specific occupation within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,150

The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.9

Weekly

$676

Monthly

$2,929

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Salary progression for Cooks in South Dakota typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who advance their skills and take on greater responsibility within a kitchen environment.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,800$14.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,363$12.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,150$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,938$21.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,720$21

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,290

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The nominal average salary of $35,150 in South Dakota needs to be viewed in conjunction with its Cost of Living Index of 91.8. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of a $35,150 salary is relatively stronger in South Dakota than in areas with a higher cost of living. This suggests that while the gross pay is lower, the actual standard of living may be more affordable for cooks in the state.

Job Market Context

1,880

Total Jobs

4.16

Per 1K Jobs

0.44

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.44x, South Dakota has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.44 for Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks might be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available positions relative to the overall workforce, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals, though it also implies a lower overall demand for specialized culinary roles.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota is $35,150. This typically ranges from $29,800 for entry-level positions to $43,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 6.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, South Dakota is not considered a highly lucrative state for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $35,150 is below the national average, and the occupation has a lower concentration (LQ of 0.44) within the state's workforce.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the cost of living affect a cook's salary in South Dakota?

South Dakota's cost of living index of 91.8, which is below the national average, means that the $35,150 average salary offers relatively good purchasing power, making it more affordable to live compared to higher-cost states, despite the lower nominal wage.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in South Dakota?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient (LQ), is 0.44, indicating that Cooks, Restaurant jobs are less prevalent in South Dakota relative to the national average.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in South Dakota?

There are approximately 1,880 Cooks, Restaurant employed within South Dakota, representing a notable segment of the state's food service industry workforce.

Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in South Dakota?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while experienced chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 4.16 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota