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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,460, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the cost of labor and the overall demand within the local hospitality sector. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan South Georgia influences compensation benchmarks for many professions, including culinary roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,030.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,460 Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other regions. The presence of 7.52 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary professionals within this locale.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,460

The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area earns-21.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.2

Weekly

$567

Monthly

$2,455

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on expertise and leadership within the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,450$10.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,095$10.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,390$14.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,825$17.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,030$17.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $29,460 in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area 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, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the neutral cost of living, making the financial aspect of living in this area comparable to the national standard.

Job Market Context

1,460

Total Jobs

7.52

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Georgia nonmetropolitan area has 0.80x 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 0.8 indicates that the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, nor is it exceptionally robust in terms of job availability relative to the national landscape. It implies a steady demand without an overwhelming surplus of opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

Comparing salaries near South Georgia nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area is $29,460. This typically ranges from $21,450 for entry-level positions to $37,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 21.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is South Georgia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $29,460 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. While the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale indicates less financial reward compared to national benchmarks.

Is South Georgia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in South Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Georgia nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($31,330) and Warner Robins, GA.

How does the local cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area earn an average of $29,460 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.8, indicating a slightly lower presence of these roles compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $29,460 has equivalent purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.

How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in this region?

There are approximately 1,460 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the South Georgia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.52 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.