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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of rural Nebraska.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,780.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in South Nebraska is characterized by a total local workforce of 700 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.48, the concentration of these roles is less than half the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to more metropolitan areas. The 4.555 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the availability of these positions within the broader employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,500

The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-13.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.6

Weekly

$625

Monthly

$2,708

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Nebraska 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 opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as cooks gain experience and specialize within the restaurant industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,960$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,375$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,800$14.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,625$19.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,780$20.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,500

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $32,500 in South Nebraska 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 comparable to the national standard. Consequently, the $32,500 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average, without the potential added expenses often associated with higher cost-of-living metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

700

Total Jobs

4.555

Per 1K Jobs

0.48

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.48x, South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 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 0.48 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are less concentrated in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not as saturated with culinary professionals, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies a lower overall demand for these roles compared to national benchmarks, making it a market where individual skill and experience may be highly valued.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Grand Island, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,310 9%15 mi
Lincoln, NE Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,050 14%86 mi

Comparing salaries near South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $32,500. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $42,780 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 13.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

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

No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $32,500 is significantly below the national average, and the concentration of jobs (Location Quotient of 0.48) is less than half the national rate.

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

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

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

Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($35,310) and Lincoln, NE.

How does the cost of living in South Nebraska compare to the national average?

The cost of living in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general expenses for goods and services are comparable to the national standard.

What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in South Nebraska?

There are approximately 700 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.

How does the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in South Nebraska compare nationally?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.48, which is less than half the national average. This indicates fewer Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita in this region compared to the rest of the country.

What is the average number of Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in South Nebraska?

In the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area, there are approximately 4.555 jobs for Cooks per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.555 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.