Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,670. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially less competitive market contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Southeast Alabama plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,370.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 580 Cooks, Restaurant, the job market in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area indicates a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, implying that while opportunities exist, they are not disproportionately abundant compared to other regions. This moderate concentration points to a steady employment landscape for cooks in this area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-24.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,389
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an ongoing effort to keep wages competitive within the local market and acknowledge the increasing cost of living and demand for skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior cooks occupying the higher salary brackets, reflecting their accumulated expertise and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,200 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,503 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,670 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,838 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,370 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,670 in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary might appear lower when compared to national averages, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $28,670 salary offers a standard cost of living experience relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
7.041
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.75x 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 0.75 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area indicates that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for cooks, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher LQ. Employers may find it moderately challenging to source a large pool of candidates, but the overall market is not saturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↑ 9% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,610↑ 14% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,690↑ 11% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,370↑ 6% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↑ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $28,670. This typically ranges from $21,200 for entry-level positions to $35,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 24.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $28,670 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,330) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the number of cooks in Southeast Alabama compare to the national average?
With 7.041 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of cooks in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not overwhelming demand for these roles.
What is the total number of cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 580 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, representing the local workforce in this culinary sector.
How does the cost of living in Southeast Alabama affect the cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,670 salary has average purchasing power locally, neither significantly stretching nor compressing the budget compared to the national standard.
Is the job market for cooks in Southeast Alabama competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive environment for cooks seeking employment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.041 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area