SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

In the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $35,660. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and potentially different market dynamics. The specific economic landscape and demand for culinary professionals in this area directly influence compensation levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,310.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,330 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary talent within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,660

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-5.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.2

Weekly

$686

Monthly

$2,972

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the value placed on accumulated knowledge, refined techniques, and leadership capabilities within the kitchen environment.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,770$12.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,745$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,770$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,575$21.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,310$21.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $35,660 in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, providing a balanced financial standing relative to typical expenses.

Job Market Context

1,330

Total Jobs

8.707

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.92x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area exhibits a job market for Cooks, Restaurant that is closely aligned with national employment patterns. This indicates a healthy, stable demand for culinary professionals that is neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive yet accessible market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

Comparing salaries near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $35,660. This typically ranges from $26,770 for entry-level positions to $45,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 5.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative, but financially balanced.While the average salary of $35,660 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering a stable financial equilibrium. The market concentration is nearly at the national average, indicating steady but not booming demand.

Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($36,550) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $35,660, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area?

The Location Quotient is 0.92, indicating that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $35,660 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in this region?

There are approximately 1,330 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Southeast Minnesota 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 1,330 employees in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.707 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.